By Doreen Chiwalo

Mwanza, September 17, Mana: Action Aid through its Tipindule Project has expressed satisfaction with Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups in Mwanza District.

The VSL groups are, among others, making progress by making profits through savings and loans; saying this is the right direction in economic empowerment at the household level in the district.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Action Aid Project Field Facilitator, Gift Kifwamba said he was impressed to note that huge sums of money expected to be shared soon have been saved by the groups but started with a small amount.

“I am very grateful to see people in rural areas like learn about savings of up to K3.3 million in the form of shares in their bank account because it will help individuals to buy food, a development which is in line with the project’s area of focus,” said Kifwamba.

He deplored misinformation among some people who take VSLs as an agenda for women only, instead, he encouraged male counterparts in the district to join so that poverty is reduced in their households.

Secretary for Chimwemwe VSL group from Lipenga Village in Inkosi Kanduku Maseko’s area, Joyce Chilekwa said before joining the group she was unable to buy some basic needs for her household.

However, she said since she joined the VSL she has been able to buy a bag of fertilizer ahead of the farming season which will help her to harvest high yields and sell the surplus to pay school fees for her children.

“Before joining this group, life was very hard because I had a family to look after as well as school fees to pay but now, I get a soft loan from the group and solve such problems,” said Chilekwa.

She also encouraged her fellow women who are yet to join VSLs instead of relying on ‘katapira’ where interest rates are unreasonably high.

Chimwemwe VSL group was established in January 2021 and now has 15 members and their savings are expected to be shared in December this year.