Gladys Asani

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Gladys Asani and her husband, Alinor, were lucky enough to graduate from high school.  However, because of a poor economy in their home town of Manila, Philippines, there were no jobs available for the couple.  They started a small clothing business which provided them a meager income of $31 a week – hardly enough to make ends meet for themselves and their five children.  Gladys and Alinor desperately wanted to provide something better for their family but were not sure how to do it. 

In 2004, Gladys heard about Mentors International through her neighbor.  When she learned about the program and its benefits, she felt it was an opportunity for her to earn extra income for her family.  After going through the group trainings, Gladys felt prepared to place additional capital into her clothing business.  Her first microloan was just $45.  She is now on her ninth loan cycle, with biannual loans of $200.  She consistently pays her loan obligations on time.  The couple and their five children take turns in managing their business, which now earns $80 weekly.  Two of her children have graduated from college, and the three youngest are about to enter college. 

The family is grateful they were able to turn to Mentors International to help them reach their goals.  Gladys is one of over 40,000 clients in the Philippines who are rising from poverty through micro finance and providing the necessities of life for their family.

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