Oyam – In Uganda’s Oyam District, a transformative program aimed at improving financial inclusion and empowering rural communities is gaining momentum. The Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model is creating opportunities for economic growth, reducing poverty, and fostering self-reliance among local groups. VSLAs are helping empower marginalized communities by providing access to savings, credit, and financial education in areas where formal banking services are scarce.

On 13^th December 2024, Community Focus International (CFI) team conducted a monitoring visit to four Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) groups in Oyam District including; Atek Ilwak in Amukugu parish, Ogwalo Note in Pii Yic parish, Par Pi Diki (Wanglobo parish and Obanga Twero in Bario parish. These VSLAs are inclusive groups formed by CFI specifically for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

In recent years, CFI has been instrumental in setting up these groups to create opportunities for PWDs to overcome economic barriers. The support from CFI, including revolving funds and knowledge sharing, helps these individuals to become financially independent and active participants in their communities. The groups meet on a weekly basis, and this report provides an overview of their activities, savings progress, and the impact of the financial assistance provided.

The total savings across the four groups reflect strong financial growth for the year 2024, with notable amounts saved in each group. These savings are critical for the groups’ financial sustainability and provide a significant foundation for future borrowing and lending activities for all the groups.

In the year 2024, all the four groups demonstrated strong participation with an average attendance rate of 75%, which reflects the commitment of members to the group activities. Notably, Par Pi Diki and Obanga Twero groups achieved a higher attendance rate of 85%, showcasing greater member engagement in these locations and also when critically observed these two groups have the highest rate of saving compared to other groups.

Successfully, the groups have managed their revolving funds, with none of the groups reporting any defaulters, an aspect seen to maintain trust, and financial discipline within the different groups.

Despite the milestone, there is a need to embrace digital channels of handling and keeping record for future references and proper accountability while recommending continued monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the groups. Additionally, regular training on financial management and leadership are further required to boost the strength and existence of the groups.

In conclusion, with active participation across all the group members and significant progress in savings accumulation. The support provided by CFI, through revolving funds, has helped boost the groups’ borrowing while the absence of defaulters in all groups is a clear indicator of the success of the financial management strategies employed by the members.

These VSLAs are not just about saving and borrowing, they are a vital resource for members to improve their lives and the lives of their families. The ability to repair mobility devices ensures greater independence, while the funds for sending children to school help create a brighter future for the next generation. Furthermore, the ability to access loans for food and other needs directly contributes to better health and well-being for these families.

What you need to know

1. Atek Ilwak VSLA – Location: Amukugu Parish – Number of Members: 50

2. Ogwalo Note VSLA – Location: Pii Yic Parish – Number of Members: 27

3. Par Pi Diki VSLA – Location: Wanlobo Parish – Number of Members: 30

4. Obanga Twero VSLA – Location: Bario Parish – Number of Members: 22

THE END

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Unfortunately, the government did not have any post-COVID economic and social recovery programs or incentives designed to directly benefit this vulnerable class, and almost a year after the full reopening of the economy, PWD and the elderly are drowning in hunger and are not only victims of poor social services but PWD and elderly unfriendly services like accessibility to public buildings.

However, Community Focus International (CFI) last week launched a massive charity act of distribution of old clothes and basic needs to PWD and the elderly starting in Otwal and Aleka sub-counties of Oyam district, items they have been collecting through a charity campaign dubbed “The Mercy Coalition Project” a project in partnership with Radio, Q FM, a lira based local radio station.

This project is intended to provide this class of people with basic needs and clothes to prepare them for more programs that will be directed at fighting poverty and mitigating the effects of the pandemic among the PWD and the elderly.

The well-attended event also involved other CFI activities like the identification of beneficiaries for the wheelchair project, where PWDs are provided with free wheelchairs, beneficiaries for the eyeglasses project, and scholastic materials.

The post A great coalition against the increasingly poorer from the low social class of PWDs and the senior citizens appeared first on Community Focus International.