Sagadugu: Members of the Tikpamsi Taaba Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) in Sagadugu, a community in the North East Region, have shared the significant impact of the VSLA initiative on their economic, social, and family lives.

According to Ghana News Agency, the women conveyed their appreciation for the VSLA through a song, referring to the VSLA box as a 'saviour' for providing financial aid during emergencies. Madam Munira Naaton, a member of the Tikpamsi Taaba VSLA, highlighted the ease of accessing loans with a low interest rate of 10%, which has helped her meet urgent financial needs. She shared her experiences during a visit to the Sagadugu, Mimima, and Guabuliga communities, aimed at showcasing the impact of Plan International Ghana's interventions.

The visit marked the conclusion of a three-day capacity-building workshop for journalists and media practitioners organized by Plan International Ghana. The NGO facilitated the formation of the Tikpamsi Taaba VSLA under the Integrated Package for Sustainable Development (IPADEV) project, targeting sustainable development in rural communities in northern Ghana.

Madam Naaton recounted her struggles before joining the VSLA two years ago, particularly in meeting her children's educational needs. She expressed gratitude for the VSLA's support, which enabled her to finance her children's schooling and improve her household's infrastructure by constructing a toilet and purchasing farm inputs.

The women extended their thanks to Plan International Ghana and its partners for their role in transforming their lives. In Guabuliga, the community chief, Naa Salifu Mahama Tampuri, discussed the impact of the She Leads project on the development of Girls and Young Women (GYW) in his area. He noted that the project had helped reduce school dropouts and early marriages among GYW, though challenges persist.

Ms. Rukaya, a 24-year-old participant of the She Leads Project, shared her journey of learning a trade after leaving school due to pregnancy. She now serves as the secretary of the dressmakers' association in her community, inspired by the project's encouragement to lead.