TABLE BANKING
In 2020, despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the women continued engaging in table banking as a means of empowerment, mobilizing their available resources for collective and personal benefit.
To date, this activity has seen the capital base within the various groups increase, allowing of them to engage in a wide range of personal activities like borrowing to pay for their children’s school fees and professional activities like farming.
Below is a highlight of some of the groups and the monthly activities they have engaged in.
NGUBA BIDII WOMEN GROUP
Through table banking, the group raised KSh 16,285 (USD 120), which they invested as start-up capital for their farming project after attending a potato farming seminar. Despite their commitment and effort, the crop failed due to unexpected heavy rains.
Undeterred, the group regrouped, strengthened their skills and knowledge, and committed to sourcing higher-quality potato seed varieties as previously advised. To date, members remain optimistic and continue contributing KSh 100 (USD 1) monthly to their table banking fund.
UPENDO SISTERS WOMEN
GROUP
Despite having only six members, the group has grown its capital base faster than any other. Within six months, they raised KSh 20,680 (USD 150), with each member contributing KSh 500 (USD 4) monthly.
The group then allocated part of these funds to purchase high-quality potato seeds for their farming activities.
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SUMI-PETO WOMEN GROUP
This group, comprising 12 mothers, ranked second in total savings, raising KSh 14,220 (USD 100).
Like the other groups, they planned to allocate part of these funds to purchase certified potato seeds.
SHAMAA WOMEN'S GROUP
Initially, the women in this group planned to acquire a piece of land to formalize their farming efforts. To pursue this goal, they raised KSh 57,600 (USD 415.00) in partnership with Neloshan and applied for a loan from the county government; however, the application was unsuccessful. They therefore chose to invest their funds in shares within a national Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO), which functions similarly to a credit union.
In conclusion, the members expressed appreciation for Neloshan’s continued commitment to supporting and empowering them as they work toward a better future for the next generation. They also look forward to their monthly gatherings, where they come together to dream, encourage one another, share experiences, and update each other on their progress.
OUTCOME
As part of our holistic approach, we provide physical, spiritual, and emotional support to our active participants, ensuring they are empowered in every aspect of their lives.
Our initiatives to date include:
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Spiritual and Emotional Support: In partnership with Mothers for the Motherland, a Christian ministry, we offer counseling and guidance to participants whenever needed.
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Community Building: We support groups of single mothers in hosting quarterly gatherings, where they come together to encourage one another, share experiences, and participate in activities such as a “Secret Santa” gift exchange, fostering connection and mutual care.
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Food Relief Efforts: In collaboration with Royal Way Worship Centre in Abuja, Nigeria, we contribute to their annual food drive, The Hands of Mercy Donation Program. Through this initiative, we assemble and distribute food parcels to families facing food insecurity during the Christmas season. To date, we have supported over 300 female-headed households affected by widowhood in Ofakaga, Kogi State, Nigeria.