Working in West Africa comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to security. But our courageous and dedicated local partners help ensure that communities continue to benefit from World Renew programs. One standout initiative is the Village Saving and Loans Associations (VSLA). These local banking programs encourage community members to regularly pool their savings, helping them plan for their future.

VSLA meetings are more than just about saving money; they also offer valuable training in business management, sustainable farming, and other important skills. These sessions are often led by Group Advisors—community members who have been trained by World Renew and our partner, SEL, in various areas such as agriculture, income generation, health, family responsibilities, and more.

In one region, Group Advisors focusing on family responsibilities have been emphasizing the importance of having proper identification documents. This has become especially crucial as local authorities have started enforcing ID requirements more strictly.

“Every time I brought my wife for medical treatment or to the market, I had to pay a 2000f fine ($3.26 USD) for not having our paperwork, and the day we wanted to go to the city and we didn’t have the 2000f, we had to get off the paved road to continue in the bush, which is very risky,” shares Ibrahim*, one VSLA member. “The director of the school threatened my son to bring a copy of his father’s nationality paper. . . or he would risk being kicked out of school, and I did not have the documents.”

“Thanks to the advice from the [Group] Advisor, I completed ID cards, family books, birth certificates, and nationality documents for my wife and myself. Now we are at peace when we travel, and our children are no longer threatened to be kicked out of school,” says Ibrahim.

People like Ibrahim are truly thankful for the support they get through the VSLAs and the local Group Advisors. These programs have become a lifeline for families dealing with the daily struggles of poverty. And, thanks to your generous support, families are building a stronger foundation for their future.

*Due to security risks, names and places have been changed or omitted to protect identities.