Through Village Saving and Loans Associations (VSLAs), young people—like Heizi in Nicaragua—are seizing the opportunity and setting themselves up for a better future.

World Renew helps communities start VSLAs through training from our local partners, providing initial funds, and equipping groups with VSLA Starter Kits that include lockboxes and record-keeping materials.

Village Savings and Loans Associations are self-organized groups of 15 to 25 members who gather regularly to create a safe environment for saving money, accessing small loans, and obtaining funds in an emergency. In many communities, banking services are inaccessible for most people, limiting their financial opportunities to save, borrow, and invest.

Heizi joined a VSLA in her community to start her own small, home-based shop, which helps her pay for her everyday needs and save for her future studies.

Because she is a young woman from a remote, low-income community (and only 17), it would be nearly impossible for Heizi to get a bank account, much less a small loan. Even if she did, it would likely be from a predatory lender at an outrageous interest rate. But through a World Renew-sponsored VSLA, Heizi was able to launch her small business and make it a success.

“I already had one loan and invested it to buy chicken, meat, and fizzy drinks,” she says. “I paid it back quickly and made a good profit.”

Thanks to the VSLA program, local partners on the ground—and generous people like you—Heizi is creating a good foundation for her future. Will you join us in giving more people like Heizi a chance to build a better life through savings groups?