In continuation of its economic livelihood programs the Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP) Liberia recently donated One hundred and Fifty Thousand Liberian dollars to the Women of Millsburg Township Village Saving group.
During the donation, the Program Coordinator of KEEP Liberia madam Gloria O. R. Yaskey said Economic Empowerment and Livelihood is one of KEEP’s pillars, as a result KEEP values every woman that is breaking the barriers of poverty in their home. She said the amount was a commitment of KEEP’s 2022 planned support to VSLA groups around the country in communities it works in.
“Sustainability and growth are one of KEEP’s key pillars. So, for this reason, I was given an order and instruction by my Executive Director to serve in this capacity and her capacity to donate this One Thousand United States Dollars (U$1,000) equivalent to One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Liberian Dollars (L$ 150,000) to the VSLA women of Millsburg Township” Gloria Yaskey stated.
According to KEEP Program Coordinator KEEP Liberia currently has 9 Village Saving Clubs around the country and these women are making tremendous efforts of helping their male counterpart, including supporting their kids in school, supporting the homes, building houses, and helping their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the chairlady of the VSLA women, Madam Sounyea Robert appreciated KEEP for her continued support to the women of Millsburg Township. Madam Robert said the group started with thirty (30) members with support from KEEP Liberia, but now the number has increased to 60 membership. She further lauded KEEP Liberia that the donation was timely to strengthen the new group. She also narrated that KEEP Liberia has impacted the lives of many women, directly lifting them from poverty to increased disposable income to support their families.
She also stated that due to the improvement of economic income of many women in Millsburg Township, Men has joined the group.
“We are not only depending on our men again for home support. While the men are providing, we are also able to contribute to the family’s income and bring something tangible as well, it’s because of the VSLA. Thank you KEEP Liberia for taking us from extreme poverty. Today, our men are joining the group and other men are coming, it is because some of us have built our houses and are sending our children to school through the VSLA with support from KEEP Liberia” Madam Robert explained.
Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) empower participants to increase access and control over resources and use collective power to overcome social and financial barriers. VSLA is a transparent, democratic, and structured form of the informal Savings Groups found in many parts of the developing world. VSLA is a standard procedure and simple accounting that everyone can understand, and trust. The groups hold annual elections.
