The necessity of change in this economic earthquake
Tearfund is empowering women in South Sudan through savings groups, building community and offering dignity
Following the old adage, “do things the way it has always been done” is no longer cutting it.
Economic crisis has struck in South Sudan, leaving countless families struggling to make ends meet. Change is essential, but many people do not know where to start.
32-year-old Veronica Akok, mother of seven, explains her situation: “as the currency depreciates, the amount of money you make may not be equivalent to the needs, and it becomes difficult.” What once could sustain her large family is not enough now. So, she met with the other women in her community to discuss a solution. They met with their local church who had been trained in Church-based Community Transformation (CCT), and learned about Village Saving and Loans Associations.
VSLAs are community-based savings groups trained by Tearfund’s partners that empower members, particularly women, to save money and access loans for costs such as school fees or business expenses. Through these self-managing groups, individuals gain more financial independence, a reliable community and resilience to help break the cycle of poverty. What started as 15 sole members has grown to over 50 entire groups in this locality!
In South Sudan, it is common for men to work and women to stay home to take care of their children. A working mother is often frowned upon, despite its increasing necessity. At the time when Veronica became involved in the VSLA, many of the participants’ husbands were averse to these groups — they found them irresponsible and meaningless, because the women were leaving the home. However, after some time and results, the husbands came to appreciate the security the VSLAs brought. “At first men would resent it, they saw it as if we are becoming irresponsible, because we are not attending to our homes,” Veronica explains, “but with time, when they saw that this is something meaningful that is bringing income, they realized that this is something worthwhile.”
One member of these VSL groups, Veronica, has been able to open her own local bakery, as well as start an embroidery business! Where her family once struggled to have enough to eat, the VSL group has allowed her to take out loans for her growing market, as well as develop critical business skills. Because of this group, her children are now able to go to school. Veronica’s family has been transformed through the training Tearfund has brought to her local church, and she continues to look for ways to expand and grow through the security the VSL has brought.
“We are able to get real benefits out of it; we are able to meet our immediate needs,” Veronica explains. She noted the other major benefits that these savings groups have brought to her community. One prominent asset is the unity they bring to the women within them, growing community and trust that they did not have before. Additionally, these groups have allowed many families to send their children to school or contribute to the construction of schools. These VSL groups develop relationships and build business skills, opportunities which were hardly available for women previously.
Despite the challenges that the South Sudanese economy brings, Veronica is able to support her family with the training provided by Tearfund and its partners. Her family no longer fears unpredictable financial situations because of this program, and she can provide more for her children because of the work of the local church.
Thanks to supporters like you, Tearfund can continue to equip communities with the tools needed to break the cycle of poverty and experience transformation through the love of God in the local church.
