Self-Help Group Approach (SHGA) Project
In Jilore Ward within Malindi Sub-county in Kilifi County and Garsen North Ward within Tana Delta Sub-county in Tana River County, with the support of Kindernothilfe (KNH), Trace is implementing the SHGA Project. This is an informal association of poor women in a community with a common objective of working together for their economic and social development. The approach works on building an institution owned by the people, of the people and for the people.
The project has greatly enhanced organization and development through savings and loans. This has been achieved as a result of the women’s commitment and resilience in going through 3 vital stages of the formation process namely SHG where groups of 15-20 women are formed, Cluster Level Association (CLA) which brings together 8-10 groups from a common geographical area, and finally Federation, which comprises at least 8 CLAs, representing about 2,000 women and their families.
Through training, meetings, and monitoring visits, SHG members have been equipped with skills on how to start and run successful businesses, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, problem solving and the significance of good relationships.
Milestones
- 199 SHGs with a total membership of 3,645 formed
- Women have mobilized savings of Kes. 15,999,059, capital of 20,785,556, advanced loans of Kes. 43,803,306 and loan repayment of Kes. 33,962,926.
- Refresher training conducted for 40 SHGs on savings, loaning and management of group capital
- Financial audits conducted for 25 SHGs
- Access to loans has enabled women to start businesses and acquire assets like livestock and household items
- Average family meals per day have increased to 3
- Women can now pay school fees for their children
- 29 youth aged between 14-25 years identified by CLAs have been trained through the Community Based Training (CBT) initiative and are now able to earn a basic income
Share
