Village Saving and Loans Association Training at the Totota Track,Village Access Road Communities
The report documents the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) training conducted in Totota, Bong County, Liberia. It outlines the objectives, methodology, and outcomes of the training, emphasizing community mobilization, VSLA formation, and capacity building. Key observations include high community engagement, particularly among women, and recommendations for ongoing support and monitoring to ensure the sustainability of the VSLA groups.
Summary:
The report presents the findings from the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) training held in Totota, Bong County, Liberia, on February 24 and 26, 2022. The training aimed to introduce VSLA methodology to community members from Tracks 2 and 4, focusing on sustainable financial practices and community development. Facilitated by Mrs. Lena T. Cummings, the training emphasized the operational mechanisms of VSLAs, including savings, loans, and conflict resolution. The sessions were highly participatory, with a significant turnout from young people and women, reflecting strong community interest and engagement.
The training led to the formation of VSLAs in both tracks, with the election of management committees predominantly comprising women. Key observations highlighted the participants' enthusiasm and growing understanding of VSLA concepts, which is expected to foster the self-establishment of additional groups. However, challenges such as male dominance in decision-making and varying levels of literacy among participants were noted. The report concludes with recommendations for continued monitoring, field officer training, and capacity building to ensure the success and sustainability of the VSLAs, along with suggestions for further workshops and refresher courses to solidify the skills and knowledge gained during the training.
