Foxglove Project

Sometimes a simple story conveys so much. Francine was very poor in her community. Her home life was filled with conflict, hunger, and loneliness. When a community facilitator invited her to join a self-help group, learn skills, and start a business, she immediately declined. She was deeply ashamed of her situation and could not imagine joining with others. She stayed away from people.

I watch her face carefully. There’s a quiet defiance. Almost an internal wrestle. As if she knows she has something to say but is still coming to terms with her sense of self-belief and the acceptance of the women around her.

When asked about the most significant single change in her circumstances, she reaches into her bag and pulls out a mobile phone.

“I have a phone. A smartphone”, she tells me. “I didn’t take a loan to buy this phone. I bought it from working in the fields and selling in the market. I am an entrepreneur.”

And with that said, she held the phone high before dropping onto her knees. Holding her bag tight. As if to say, “I’m never letting go of the changes in my life. Now I’ve found hope, it’s here to stay. 🩷

Uwinka, Kitabi: A New Village & Sector in Nyamagabe
Grassroots Rwanda has now established Self Help Groups (SHGs) in 12 of Nyamagabe’s 17 sectors. In 2025, the program expanded into Kitabi, a poor agricultural sector near Nyungwe National Park.

In Uwinka village, the Sector Administrator welcomed the initiative. For weeks beforehand, the Community Facilitator visited vulnerable families, especially women, explaining how SHGs work and building confidence. Many were hesitant, familiar only with casual farm labour, but encouragement led hundreds to gather at Uwinka Health Centre for the launch.

The day began with singing and dancing, followed by clear teaching that SHGs require discipline, savings, and commitment—there are no quick fixes. Evangeline, a leader from another sector, shared her personal journey from poverty to stability, inspiring belief and hope.

By day’s end, thirteen groups had formed. Women organised themselves alongside others in similar circumstances, strengthening unity and trust. Each group chose a name reflecting solidarity—one declaring, “Women are the heart of the home.” A foundation for lasting change had been laid. 🩷

When I speak to SHG members about their walk out of poverty, they always say it started with a “mindset” change. That a change in thinking and perspective provided a new confidence and courage to start a micro business and bring innovative ideas to the marketplace.

But where did this mindset change come from?

Overwhelmingly, the women reference the SHG training. Training in goal setting, agriculture, savings & loans, conflict resolution, rights & responsibilities, literacy, numeracy and so much more. One woman tells me, “When I got money, I spent it. I didn’t know there was an option. But the training told me that a little profit can be saved and reinvested.”

But I think it’s less about the content and more about the realisation that they can learn. That they can grasp and implement concepts.

And as a result they see themselves differently. They start to not only believe that anything’s possible - but that it just may happen for them. 🙏

~ Kelley

Australia is one of the most desirable destinations on the planet~ a number of its capital cities consistently appear in the annual lists of the world’s most liveable cities. 🇦🇺

But it is also true that many Australians are doing it tough. Housing prices put the family home out of reach to many. The disintegration of the manufacturing industry has reduced the need for unskilled labour and addictions of affluence, including drugs and gambling, are leading to unprecedented levels of family breakdown and violence. 😣

So, when the call comes for overseas aid, there is a growing response to first ‘look after our own’. In recent decades, there has been an increase in awareness of home-grown needs from natural disasters, domestic violence, homelessness and drug addiction. 🫱🏽‍🫲🏿

So, what about the Developing World? Why do we need to demonstrate compassion for those we may never see or know? And can we both ‘care for our own’ and help those living in poverty across the world? 🤷🏻‍♀️

After many years of working in Australian-based community support, I retain a passion to help Australians on the margin. It is vital that we invest in supporting people and providing opportunities to live full and promising lives. It is vital that we protect women and children from violence and neglect. It is vital that we offer health and treatment services that care for the least of these. 🫂

And we are. Statistics show that 85% of the Australian charity dollar targets domestic needs and services. Leaving 15% for overseas aid & development work, with up to half of that amount spent in Australia on support and fundraising services. 🌏

We cannot afford that percentage to fall any further. I don’t put forward an ‘us or them’ approach to giving.💕

We are a global community moved by compassion to help those in need wherever they are geographically located. So, give where you see a need and see answers. Where both problem and response sit side by side. And I promise that when you give to Foxglove women, together we make a difference that cascades across families, communities, nations and generations.

That’s the kind of giving that is good for the soul. ❤️