Creation of Village Savings and credit association

In Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, many women depend on selling and processing fish to feed their families and keep their small businesses alive. Yet, despite their hard work, many struggle to grow their businesses because they lack access to affordable credit. Traditional financial institutions often remain out of reach, leaving some women with no choice but to borrow from local lenders at high interest rates. Without savings, financial support, or a reliable network of people to turn to, even a family emergency can put their livelihoods at risk.

Our Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) project aims to help these women build financial independence and face the future with greater confidence. Through community-based savings groups, participants will contribute small amounts regularly, access affordable loans, and establish a shared emergency fund to help them cope with illness, family emergencies, and other unexpected challenges. The project will also provide training in financial management, business development, and leadership. Each association will operate over a 9-to-12-month cycle, giving members time to develop practical skills, strengthen mutual support, and invest in more sustainable livelihoods.

The project has a total budget of US$77,000. At this stage, no funds have yet been raised, and we are preparing for implementation by identifying qualified trainers and prospective participants. Although activities have not yet begun, this preparation marks an important step toward turning the project into a reality. With the support of GlobalGiving, we hope to mobilize the resources needed to reach women who are often excluded from formal financial services and give them a practical opportunity to improve their economic situation. We sincerely thank GlobalGiving for its partnership and all our supporters who believe in community-led solutions. We invite donors, organizations, and compassionate individuals to contribute to this initiative. Every donation, regardless of its size, can help us move closer to our goal of building stronger businesses, more resilient families, and a more secure future for women fish sellers in Goma.