Debdas lives in a remote village in Bangladesh, along the edge of the Bay of Bengal—an area often affected by cyclones and flooding. Life here is shaped by the realities of extreme weather. Yet for those who visit and get to know the community, what stands out is not vulnerability, but resilience.

Debdas reflects that spirit. Despite living with a physical disability, he is determined to provide for his family and contribute to his community in meaningful ways.

Building Leadership and Livelihoods

In 2018, Debdas joined a Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group supported by World Renew and facilitated through its local partner, Faith in Action. The group, named “Bonoful” by its members, became far more than a place to save money.

Debdas quickly took on a leadership role as the group’s secretary. Today, he helps lead meetings, organize activities, and guide decision-making. Through the group’s training and support, he has grown into a confident, respected leader and a capable entrepreneur.

Access to savings and low-interest loans opened new opportunities. Debdas first used a loan to start a fish farm. After successfully repaying it, he expanded into crab cultivation—an investment that significantly increased his family’s income.

Reflecting on the experience, Debdas shares:

“It not only helped me develop economically, but also brought me social acceptance and respect.”

Strength in Community

Stories like Debdas’s highlight what is possible when people have access to the right tools, opportunities, and support. In a region where natural disasters are a recurring challenge, strengthening local resilience is essential.

Village Savings and Loans groups play a key role in this process—building financial stability, fostering leadership, and creating networks of mutual support. Together, communities are not just adapting to challenges, but finding ways to thrive in the face of them.