OFAO Empowers 14 Savings Groups in Yei and Lainya Counties

(YEI / LAINYA COUNTIES) – The Organization for Agriculture Opportunities (OFAO) has strengthened community resilience and economic empowerment by providing Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) toolkits to 14 savings groups under its Sustainable Peace and Economic Empowerment Development (SPEED) Project.

The distribution, conducted over the past two days, followed practical training sessions aimed at equipping group members with the skills needed to effectively utilise the VSLA toolkits and manage their community savings initiatives.

According to OFAO, the beneficiaries include 11 VSLA groups in Yei Town Payam and three groups in Lainya County. The savings groups are designed to promote financial inclusion and household resilience, particularly among vulnerable communities.

Women play a leading role in the supported groups, occupying most of the key leadership positions. OFAO says this reflects the critical contribution of women in driving economic development, strengthening household incomes, and promoting community stability.

The VSLA approach enables community members to save money collectively, access small loans, and invest in income-generating activities, helping families cope with economic challenges while building long-term financial security.

OFAO noted that the support is part of its broader commitment under the SPEED Project to strengthen community-based savings mechanisms by providing the necessary tools, knowledge, and technical support required for sustainable livelihoods.

The organisation emphasised that empowering local savings groups contributes to stronger community resilience, increased financial independence, and improved opportunities for economic growth at the household and community levels.

Through the SPEED Project, OFAO continues to promote inclusive economic empowerment initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of communities across Central Equatoria State.