From Vulnerability to Independence: Orient’s Story

Orient Chanti is a 23-year-old single mother living in Chanyanya Ward of Kafue District. After being abandoned by the father of her two children, she became solely responsible for providing for her family, with limited income options and daily uncertainty.

In 2023, Orient was among young women supported by Primrose Community Health Organisation through training in small-scale business management. The initiative provided basic equipment and start-up support to help participants run a fish-selling business. When the business faced early challenges, most participants dropped out. Orient, however, chose to stay.

Her commitment stood out. With additional support, she restructured the business, reinvested profits, and gradually expanded the range of products she sold. Over a short period, the shop stabilised and began generating reliable income, enabling her to independently cover rental costs and household needs.

Reflecting on the change in her life, Orient shares:

“Being a single parent is hard, but with what I get now, I am able to provide for my children. I can buy diapers, washing powder, school uniform for my five-year-old son, and other basic needs.”

Beyond the shop, Orient has joined a village savings group, where she saves regularly and accesses small capital to support additional income activities.

Her progress has not gone unnoticed. Other young women in the community now look up to her. As she explains:

“People tell me, ‘You are better off running the shop. You can buy what you need and support yourself.’ When people say these words, it motivates me to work harder and make the business grow.”

Orient encourages young women who feel stuck to take small steps toward independence:

“These days there are village banking groups that can help you save money, and later you get a loan.”

Her journey shows how determination, combined with the right support, can transform vulnerability into self-reliance and dignity.