5 Ways Grassroots Village Savings and Loan Programs are Helping Rural Haiti

5 Ways Grassroots Village Savings and Loan Programs are Helping Rural Haiti

Dear Friends,

As the Program Manager of Hope for Haiti's Economic Development Program, I am thrilled to share with you the incredible impact we are making through our Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) initiative. In the midst of difficult times in Haiti, Hope for Haiti's VSLA program stands out as a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment for the communities we serve.

In Haiti, where access to traditional banking services is limited and economic opportunities can be scarce, VSLA groups are revolutionizing the way vulnerable women and families manage their finances and build brighter futures. We are setting up VSLA groups in six out of our 24 partner communities, and we hope to grow this program with your support.

Women involved in the Hope for Haiti-established VSLA in the rural community of Lie?vres meet to manage their finances. December 2023.

Here are 5 reasons why VSLA programs in Haiti are so vital, especially during these challenging times.?

  1. Accessibility: Many of our partner communities are located in isolated areas, far from banks and financial institutions. By bringing financial services directly to these communities, we are breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for economic growth right at people's doorsteps.
  2. Inclusion: Microfinance institutions and banks often have strict credit criteria that exclude many community members. With VSLAs, everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial status or background. This inclusivity is key to ensuring that no one is left behind.
  3. Breaking Dependency: Too often, communities find themselves trapped in cycles of dependency, believing they have no money to save. VSLA groups empower individuals to take control of their finances, save for the future, and break free from the cycle of poverty.

4. Resilience: Economic shocks and domestic emergencies like what Haiti is experiencing today can devastate vulnerable families. With VSLA, members build up savings and a small insurance fund, providing a safety net during times of crisis and ensuring they can weather any storm. ?

5. Financial Literacy: In communities where literacy levels are low and formal financial services can be intimidating, VSLA offers a simple and accessible alternative. Through our training and support, participants gain the knowledge and confidence to manage their finances effectively.

Today, 90% of participants in Hope for Haiti's VSLA groups have started small businesses thanks to loans made within their communities. This is not just about financial transactions; it's about empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance.

But our work is far from over. With your continued support, we can expand VSLA groups to all the communities where Hope for Haiti works, unlocking the full economic potential of every individual and driving sustainable development from the ground up.

Together, we are building a brighter future for Haiti, one VSLA group at a time. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission.

With gratitude,

Wilner Saint-Preux ( Saint-Preux Wilner )

Economic Development Program Manager

Hope for Haiti

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Hike in Solidarity to Support Haiti Now!

The Hike for Haiti Challenge is a feel-good, positive movement that brings together a global community to support something greater than themselves while also providing personal wellness benefits. During this annual event, we invite you to hike or walk in solidarity with the children and families in Marre à Coiffe who traverse a mountain (approximately 10.5 miles) to access healthcare and education resources.

As part of our Hope for Haiti Family, we hope you'll join us for this 6th year of the event, which has raised more than $750,000 since it began in 2019. Register to hike in your community, or join us at one of our in-person activations:

Or, register here to Hike In Your Community !


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Wagny Vincent-Menard

Audit/Inventory at JetBlue Airways

7 个月

Love this

Skyler Badenoch

CEO @ Hope for Haiti | International Development, NGOs

7 个月

Saint-Preux Wilner Bon bagay!

回复
Pierre Junior Cornelien

Teaching Consultant

7 个月

The economic situation of the Haitian community is alarming. According to a survey conducted by IHSI (2004), more than 70% of the rural population lives in extreme poverty. The situation worsened after the August 2021 earthquake. So, to show these communities that they can generate income is to give them a taste for life; it is to bring them back to life; it is to show them that they can get out of this slump themselves; It is also to show them that solidarity can be a driving force for change. What the Economic Department of Hope For Haiti is doing is a contribution to reducing the rate of insecurity in Haiti. Poverty is one of the causes of the increase in the rate of insecurity in the country.?

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