(ERGO) – Joining her local women’s savings group in Goobweyn village, Lower Juba, has enabled Kaaho Hassan Ibrahim to advance her small business to take care of her large family.
In June she received $900 from the fund and used it to build a sturdy stall and to stock up on a range of supplies. Her small shop is now supporting her family of 15. It is a big improvement on the rickety table top made of sticks and plastic that she used to sell from.
“Now the situation is much better, it’s a good kiosk that people can see what I have to sell, and more people are buying,” Kaaho said.
Another member of the savings scheme, Abaay Abdikadir Nasib, took two loans this year totalling $750. She was given the second loan after successfully repaying the first from her profits.
“I have used the money to stock up on all kinds of items, including groceries, bananas, onions, potatoes, milk, and fish. I haven’t left out anything that people might want,” she said.
Abaay, who lives with her husband and 10 children, said her family’s financial position has improved and they have enough income to cater for their education and health bills. She is paying $65 for eight of her children, including three girls, to go to school in Goobweyn.
The credit and savings scheme is run by Hegan women’s association, whose chairwoman Sadia Hassan Muhumed said the 30 women members meet twice a month. Each contribute $25 a month.
“All 30 members meet, if someone is unable to come due to sickness or other reasons, they send their money. We sometimes talk over the phone but mostly we get together,” Sadia explained.
Since March, the fund has collected $5,800. Records are kept of each member’s contributions and loans.
In February the members received business training from international NGO, Alight, which also provided a start-up investment of $500, two phones and calculators, and a safebox. Their support is part of an economic recovery programme, which includes microfinancing training and support.
