VICOBA: Not Just Savings, But Seed Money for Dreams
Imagine a knowing smile and a hint of excitement in the voice. Forget dusty old piggy banks and saving for a rainy day. In the villages we work with, VICOBA (Village Community Banks) aren't just about squirreling away cash; they're about unlocking potential, sparking innovation, and literally putting roofs over heads! Think of VICOBA as a community-powered launchpad. It's where women (and some savvy men!) pool their resources, not just for a rainy day, but for a *sunny* future. And the stories are truly inspiring!
But here's where VICOBA gets really innovative and, frankly, brilliant. In Nyangao, these amazing women decided to go beyond just saving money. They started an "in-kind" savings system. Their target? Iron sheets! Imagine this: each woman contributes five iron sheets in rotation.
The goal? To ensure *every single member* has a sturdy, iron roof over her head, replacing those old, leaky thatched roofs. This isn't just saving; it's a tangible, visible investment in their homes and their security. It's a brilliant example of how VICOBA can be a catalyst for collective improvement.
