ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
In 2021, DSI provided the community with training on financial literacy, with seed funding from The Pollination Project. Classes covered topics such as financial record keeping and loan management. DSI then supported the formation of 20 VICOBAs, which mobilised 36,000,000 TZS (15,490.50 USD) in their first year.
At a time when many men pass away early from threats to the community such as HIV/AIDS, DSI seeks to encourage women to take charge of their own development. Of the 20 Village Community Banks (VICOBAs) set up by DSI, two are entirely made up of widows, and 70% of the overall members are women.
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Sajida Cyrilo, Tuinuane VICOBA Secretary, taking financial records at the group's office.
This money is used for income-generating activities, such as chilli farming and setting up community shops.
Funds mobilised by local VICOBAs enable the community to purchase agricultural resources such as seeds and fertilizer, and income generated from the resultant yields is invested back into the VICOBAs. In this way, DSI aims to catalyze self-sustaining mechanisms for community development. To learn more about what Village Community Banking means, click here.
Amos Mate and Sandra Golding, from UK-based organisation Feed the Minds, visiting Sajida's smoked fish business. Sajida sells her fish to neighbours and fellow VICOBA members.
Mama Conchesa, a member of Tuinuane VICOBA, selling her products at Nyakahama open market.