Getting a loan was never an option for Darius Brown. The sad stories and experiences borrowers have shared discouraged the 39-year old father of three from venturing into any loan scheme.
But when Partners in Development (PADEV) launched the Village Savings Program (VSLA) in Charlesville, Snafu community, he decided to try.
“This program is so helpful, and easy for us,” he said. “Through this program, I was able to pay my children’s school fees.
“This program is so good. The interest is so low, and it can make you pay fast, fast,” said Princess Diana, who sells raw and dry fish. “Some people were not having hands to pay their children’s school fees, some people were not able to make a market, they went there they credited and we put small things, and the person got money.”
Funded by the United States Agency for Development (USAID) through the Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue Protection (LCRP) and implemented by PADEV, the project is titled “Local Community Capacity Development Activity (LCCDA).
The program works with neighbors to implement regenerative agriculture, beekeeping, woodlots, and loan programs for small enterprises with a one health focus goal.
LCRP is also purchasing the vegetables and fruits produced to feed the chimpanzees, and other protected animals.
Speaking at the VSLA groups cycle one funds disbursement program on July 20, 2023, at the Snafu-Dock Community School, Laveto Forkaph, Coordinator of the program, said the VSLA started July 2022 with three groups, Success, God is able, and United groups. “We started last year in July but first before we started we did training. We tell people how you can be able to put your own self money together,” said Forkaph.
According to him, after the training each group was given a “Seed Fund” of US$300 USD dollars( 45,000 LRD) as a startup. He disclosed that the seed fund will not be shared; it would reverse for the next cycle of borrowers.
“This program is so good. The interest is so low, and it can make you pay fast, fast,” said Princess Diana, who sells raw and dry fish. “Some people were not having hands to pay their children’s school fees, some people were not able to make a market, they went there they credited and we put small things, and the person got money.”
Ms. Diana is also a beneficiary of the VLS program. “I expect 30,000, I will use some to pay my children’s school fees, build my house, and help my husband.”
Abraham Yebleh, Charlesville Townchief, who doubted the success of the program, expressed excitement in the level of performance by the borrowers. “I never knew this program would raise so much money,” he said. “So I am joining the next cycle myself too.”
Marx Lloyd, Charlesville commissioner thanked PADEV and partners for helping to parents address some financial constraints.
Nyorgor Gibson, head of the women group, thanked the team for their support, while committing her full cooperation.
Developing the local community
After one year the three groups have a total capitol of over LRD$600,000 from the initial capital US$300 USD dollars( 45,000 LRD). They praised PADeV and partners for the idea and call on other non-profit organization to emulate their example.
Through the loan program participants were able to purchase few pieces of plastic chairs to help alleviate the issue of sitting capacity that are been face by the community over the years.
