Thet Thet Tunet, a SOO beneficiary in Myanmar
‘‘ I’m earning triple since going to SOO, social microfinance programme created and incubed by Entrepreneurs du Monde! ’’
“My name is Thet Thet Tunet and I am 32 years old. I live in the district of Twantay. I began work at 19, preparing fish. At 21, I got married and we had our first child, then our family enlarged further.
Growing a good idea
Along with our four children, we live in a small house with bamboo walls and a sheet metal roof. It is ideally situated, close to the school and to a crossroad, and I said to myself that it’s a great place to start a business. So we saved up to buy a small piece of land just in front of our house and I set up my little stall selling snacks and everyday products. It has worked!
Then a neighbour told me about SOO*. I went to find out more and joined a group of micro-entrepreneurs. We have taken part in training sessions, on topics such as cash-flow management, which have really helped me.
Launch and growth
With an initial loan of 100,000 kyats (€ 56), I bought a first batch of products and I have paid back my loan. Then I used part of my earnings and a second loan to buy a freezer. After that, thanks to subsequent loans, I bought a secondhand moped, then ice creams and iced sweets, and finally grocery items, to expand and diversify my range.
Looking to the future
My store is open every day from 6am to 10pm. I get lots of customers at the weekend. Before, I was earning 90,000 kyats (€ 50) a month. Now, I earn more than 250,000 (€ 140). We are saving money to realise our dream: financing our children’s studies.”
