South Sudan: Sowing Change in Evalina's Entrepreneurial Journey through saving

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Evaline (middle) happily showing her savings with her savings group members/CARE International South Sudan

"Our participation in VSLA groups empowered us to secure loans and invest in a business. We have the option to borrow from the social fund in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment," confidently explains Evaline. Evalina Nakang, a 38-year-old woman from Ifwotu Payam, Torit County-Eastern Equatoria, witnessed positive changes in her economic and social circumstances as a beneficiary of the Fortifying Economic and Equality Diversification (FEED II) project, funded by the Government of Canada (GAC) and initiated in 2020. The project, implemented by CARE in a consortium led by World Vision, encompasses crucial agricultural support, Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), and GBV responses.

Before the project, Evalina struggled to make ends meet and constantly worried about providing for her family. Financial despair and a lack of income-generating skills characterized her situation. However, with the arrival of the FEED project in her hometown, Evaline's fortunes took a positive turn. Joining a VSLA group proved to be particularly beneficial for her, as she received training and guidance on savings and financial management. This group facilitated significant savings, and she now has plans to expand her new business of selling produce.

VSLA Groups, comprising 15-25 individual members from a community, are self-managed entities that regularly meet to save money in a secure environment, access small loans, and obtain emergency insurance. These groups empower participants to enhance access and control over resources, utilize collective power to overcome social and financial barriers and serve as an effective vehicle for economic justice and long-term resilience, especially for women.

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