When a Savings Group Becomes a Safety Net

For Moses Agbelenyo, belonging to the Nkabom savings group has meant having people and resources to turn to when life takes an unexpected turn.

Recently, Moses lost his child. At a time when grief was already overwhelming, he also faced the financial burden of organising a funeral. With limited options for raising the money he needed, he turned to the group and asked for a loan.

The members responded.

Through the support of Nkabom, Moses was able to access the money he needed and successfully organise his child’s funeral. For him, the support was about more than receiving a loan. It was knowing that, in a difficult moment, he wasn’t alone.

“If this group did not exist, I would not have been able to get such a huge amount of money anywhere else.”

Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are community-led groups where members save regularly, contribute to a shared fund, and provide loans to one another under agreed terms. PDA builds on this financial foundation by using VSLAs as platforms for learning and transformation. Members receive capacity building in financial literacy and farmer business skills, while sessions on gender transformation and child protection help members strengthen not only their livelihoods, but also the wellbeing of their families and communities.

This combination of savings, access to credit and practical learning helps members become better equipped to manage their finances, make informed livelihood decisions and respond to unexpected challenges. For Moses, the value of the group became particularly clear when he needed financial support during one of the most difficult moments of his life.

Looking ahead, Moses hopes that the unity and understanding among members will continue to strengthen the group and help it grow. He also encourages the group’s leaders to keep introducing new ideas and initiatives that can further support members.

For Moses, Nkabom is more than a savings group. It is a community that stood with him when he needed it most, while also creating a space where members can learn, build their livelihoods and support one another.