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Notes from the Field
VSL
Friday October 23, 2009
Posted by: Ahungu at 3:34AM EST on October 23, 2009
When I was "forced" to leave CARE in Tanzania in May 2006, I was somehow confused! That was a "Threat" to my survival - for you who know "SWOT". But I turned things differently. On July 1st 2009 ASMET celebrated her 3rd year supporting and created new "life" for over 450 "Vituo Vya Maendeleo Vya Jamii" - VITOVU (umbilical cord - in Kiswahili). 3/4 of the 450 VITOVU members are women and young people who had lost hope! By July 2009 all were leading assured social and economic lives - many are now supporting 3 to 5 members of their families; including assured 3 meals per day, have sponsored their children to secondry schools and all managing viable small businesses. How? I applied the CARE Niger MMD community groups methodlogy and CARE Tanzania (HISA or VSL) methodology to create VITOVU groups on pilot basis and now have over 12 VITOVU groups using personal savings, pension funds (32,000/= per month and parttime consultancy jobs. From 2010 we plan to create more VITOVU groups targeting young people in marketing places around Dar es Salaam City. Thanks CARE for empowering me first, I'm no longer confused from loosing my job. I'm now known as "mwalimu -teacher" or "mshauri - advisor" by the community members i work with. Join us to change their lives for the better! Friday July 10, 2009
Posted by: CARE at 3:11PM EST on July 10, 2009
Blog by Sarah Blizzard, Development Writer, CARE Monday September 1, 2008
Posted by: CARE at 10:05PM EST on September 1, 2008
As the journey in Malawi came to an end, I was left both humbled and deeply impressed by the women I've met. One of the most moving things I heard on this trip was that women were encouraged by our visit, and some who haven't participated in a village savings and loan group may even be inspired to try it.
... (more) Saturday August 30, 2008
Posted by: CARE at 6:27PM EST on August 30, 2008
If I could summarize what I have seen in Kaundama village in just a word, it would be "harmony". I have met the delightful, inspiring members of the Namirazi women's association (named for a local river). I was instantly drawn to them because of their joyful singing; I thought it was just to welcome us, but they continued to sing as they walked to and from their fields, as they cooked lunch, after they ate they just clearly loved the camaraderie and companionship they have found in their savings and loan group.
The group works so well together, they have undertaken a major investment in a new business. In the next couple of months, they will start raising poultry. Each member has already committed 3,000 Malawian Kwacha (about $20) to have the coop constructed. It stands at the ready. After they have saved a total of 110,000 Kwacha ($760), they'll be ready for CARE to help them arrange the purchase and transport of the chicks, feed and other supplies to start the new venture. Thursday August 28, 2008
Posted by: CARE at 2:38PM EST on August 28, 2008
I watched a woman named Rhoshida harvest her groundnuts – you might recognize them as peanuts – as the sun sank behind mountains south of Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe. It was a beautiful scene for a couple of reasons. First, the setting was spectacular. More importantly, there before me was a woman who was harvesting the fruits of her labor, part of a plentiful growing season that would feed her family throughout the year. ... (more)Thursday August 21, 2008
Posted by: CARE at 5:28PM EST on August 21, 2008
Photographer Phil Borges traveled for two weeks in May to A village savings and loan association is a group of 10-20 members – usually women – who save small sums of money each week to create a fund from which they can access loans. The loans are used to start or expand small businesses, and are repaid with interest. With the income from interest and their individual enterprises, women are able to improve the health, education and well-being of their families. ... (more) |
