September 29, 2023
Stories
Mukeya Fostinah Ntenda is a member of the Twikatane Savings Group in the Nchelenge district of Zambia. She is 39 years old and married with six children. She was among the first people to join the group. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia and the Financial Sector Deepening (FSDZ) for introducing the savings group initiative, she now boasts of a thriving popcorn business.
Fostinah joins the savings groups
Many people living in poverty worldwide are members of savings groups that help save their money and supply essential services to help manage their daily lives. It is through this savings group initiative that Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia and Financial Sector Deepening that Fostinah is now earning her livelihoods.
Savings groups are an enhanced form of the traditional accumulating savings and credit associations. They give its members a secure space to save their money and borrow usually in small amounts to invest and start up their own businesses.
“When I heard the news about the savings group initiative, I did not hesitate to register myself because I knew that an opportunity to a better life had been presented to me,” she says smilingly.
The Twikatane Savings Group was formed on 4th October 2022. At the time of formation, the group only had 12 members, it now has a total of 21 members. The group has so far done one share-out, and in this share-out, the highest was K5000.
Fostinah standing in front of her house
Savings groups are usually made of 10 to 25 self-selected people who meet at least twice a month to save. They often have a minimum amount that each member can save, and the maximum is dependent on each member’s ability. During these meetings members are allowed to request for loans.
The loans are on flexible terms and usually have low interest rates that do not give members a problem paying back. “After getting my first loan, I decided to invest in buying popcorn kernels and other necessary things to kick-start my business,” says Fostinah.
These groups undergo a series of training ranging from how to save and set up viable businesses to the basics of financial literacy. Fostinah attended these trainings and says they have contributed immensely to her business growth.
“Being a member of the savings group has helped me develop a viable business that no one in my area is doing. I make popcorn and sell it to both adults and school-going kids. I use the profits to buy farming inputs like fertilisers and seeds to produce my popcorn kernels,” says Fostinah.
Fostinah also sells home-made fritters to her neighbours and school going children in her neighbourhood.
Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia continues to support people in need
Obtaining financial freedom starts with understanding the different important skills and concepts of financial literacy that Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia and Financial Sector Deepening has been working tirelessly to educate people, promote financial inclusion and form savings groups in rural communities of Chienge, Mwansabombwe, Kawambwa, and Nchelenge districts of Luapula Province. The objective is to improve the financial inclusion of rural communities in 4 districts of Luapula Province through the capacity building and engagement of traditional leaders and village structures.
For 10 years now, Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia has been actively working to help farmers adapt to innovative climate solutions and refugees earn their livelihoods. Its focus has been on addressing the challenges posed by climate change and helping vulnerable communities become more resilient.
In addition to supporting farmers, Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia with support from UNHCR has also been assisting refugees in earning their livelihoods. We offer vocational training programs that provide refugees with marketable skills and help them start their own businesses. By helping refugees become more self-reliant, Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia aims to improve their overall quality of life and enhance their integration into the local communities.
Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia also recognizes the significant role that climate change plays in exacerbating poverty and inequality, especially among vulnerable populations. By addressing both the environmental and social aspects, they aim to create sustainable solutions that benefit not only the farmers and refugees but also society at large.
