By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, October 30, Mana: Participants of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) in Nathyola Catchment in Mchinji are now reaping the benefits of financial empowerment through the formation of a village savings and loan (VSL) group.

After earning wages from their involvement in afforestation and natural regeneration projects, the participants established a COMSIP group to further enhance their financial stability.

Community facilitator, Michael Zyalura from Chamveka COMSIP Cluster in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlonyeni said, COMSIP approached them to form the VSL group, and they did not hesitate to do so, saying they are now benefitting from the savings and investments they have made.

“After working on the environmental projects under the CSEPWP, the participants were told of the importance of having savings and loan groups, which led to the formation of Tikondane and Chamveka COMSIP groups under Chamveka Cluster,” said Zyalura.

The chairperson of the Tikondane COMSIP group, Andsen Mvula, said that being in a COMSIP group has improved the lives of its members.

“From the savings, members have accumulated assets like livestock and small stocks that are also helping them in terms of income and nutrition. Some are sending children to school and improving their dwelling houses,” said Mvula.

Commenting on the COMSIP groups being formed from CSEPWP, COMSIP’s Development Communication Officer, Mercy Kayuni said she was impressed with the way the groups are performing.

“We have noted resilience from these COMSIP groups and we are very impressed to see that members are benefiting from their savings which is the core purpose of the livelihood programme,” said Kayuni.

CSEPWP and COMSIP are components of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP) Tidzidalire.

CSEPWP is being implemented by the Malawi Government and is supported by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi Donor Trust Fund.