By Saio Marrah
Disbursement of a Preparatory Grant of 1.5 Billion Leones for eight thousand Self Help Affinity Groups (SAGs) members has commenced in 13 districts across Sierra Leone.
The Communications Unit of the Bo District Office of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), confirmed in a statement dated 25th August 2022 that the process which started last Monday is to end on Friday 2nd September.
The fund is being distributed to a total of 216 SAGs, with each group comprising 20 women. The grant provided by the Government of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Development Bank is aimed at developing and strengthening community organizations thereby building their social capital and enhancing opportunities for livelihood creations for communities.
13 out of the 16 districts in the country, are to benefit from the grant. The statement was hopeful that the grant will not only promote common economic activities but also make the beneficiaries self-reliant and resilient to risks that can affect community livelihoods.
The project is to improve livelihoods, enhance micro and small enterprises, and ensure the growth and sustainability of SAGs.
An initial target of 230 SAGs were supposed to benefit from the said preparatory grant, but 14 fell short of the minimum standard set by NaSCA.
NaCSA’s Senior Director of Programmes, Raymond Bob Katta, was quoted in the NaCSA statement reiterating the government’s commitment to reducing poverty through a community-centered approach. He also said: “the purpose of the grant is to undertake income generating activities, embark on group internal lending activities and cover the cost of transportation for withdrawal and deposit purposes.”
Katta also talked about the level of transparency displayed by the commission and called on the SAGs members to be responsible for making sure they hold weekly meetings, commit to weekly contributions, and repay loans when due.
The Micro Finance Officer, Tamba Jumu called on the beneficiaries to improve their savings and work as a group, having in mind that the essence is to increase access to finance.
An official from the Communications Unit of NaCSA informed Politico that the preparatory grant is being given to the groups to start their own business since the groups have proven to be trustworthy and can stand on their own.
SAGs comprised groups of persons with common earning power, like-minds, and the will to improve their lives and by extension participate in the development of their communities.
Copyright © Politico Online (29/08/22)
