Two organizations: Farmer’s Pride International (FPI) and Menya Foundation have started the creation of self-help microfinance groups in Burundi. As FPI works with Farmers and Menya Foundation cares for rural villagers and rural entrepreneurs, a new step has been made: convincing Société Cooperative Agropastorale du Burundi SAPABU to start with Village Savings and Loans Association groups. It was not easy, but we did it.
Joining hands for one purpose
“I saw a page on Facebook. I realized that it publishes stories about savings. I first of all liked and followed it in order to keep updated. Regularly reading their posts, I decided to send a message to the page administration. I was answered in one hour. In our converzation, I asked if it was possible to help our members to start with saving groups. My request was accepted and we are ready to honor the obligation of being partner of Farmer’s Pride International – Menya. We are very happy to be accepted as their members”; Alexis Nduwamahoro, founder and President of SAPABU.
Farmer’s Pride International and Menya as agents of change...
SAPABU is a cooperative operating in the area of seeds multiplication. Farmer’s Pride International-Menya leadership is proud to have partnered with this local cooperative located in Gitega and Karusi provinces. Farming is their mission. Now, they start the journey of savings. This first group is for women only. For men, they don’t see the importance of gathering in order to save. “ To convince men is a must. We want to see them saving like women. In the upcoming months, we will initiate a group of men. Let’s change their mentality”; Canon Felix, Farmer’s Pride International-Menya embassador.
Challenge to be challenged
The Village Savings and Loans Association are not well organized in this country. Although there are International NGOs who has started groups, leaders groups (including they of FPI-Menya) are untrained. This is an obstacle to a good development. Another challenge is related to communication. Farmer’s Pride International-Menya has groups in two provinces. Groups leaders not know each other. They don’t communicate. It would be good if they have a group in which we communicate virtually before FPI-MENYA leaders gather them physically. If you want to reach out to us, drop a message in the comments section
Let’s join our hands as one man for one purpose.
Farmer’s Pride International–Menya Magazine.
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