Because I am a Girl

Because I am a Girl Progress Report 

Education and Economic Development in Senegal

Review of the need and project goal 

This project aims to increase the quality of education and strengthen economic security for children and their families in three regions of Senegal: Thies, Saint Louis and Kaolak. Classrooms, latrines, water points, benches and playgrounds are being built across 60 schools in these areas, creating a nurturing environment for students’ academic and social development. In addition, youth, women and men are participating in micro-finance groups so they can access loans for farm supplies, livestock, vocational training or start-up capital for a small business.

Moving forward with Microfinance 

In Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA’s), members receive loans to support income-generating activities so they can increase their earnings and savings. Members meet regularly to repay their loans (at low interest rates) and balance the group fund, holding each other accountable and supporting each other’s financial management. 

Across the project regions, facilitators for VSLAs were trained so they can initiate and manage groups; they then helped to create 90 VSLAs (including 6 youth-only groups). Each group has received an operational kit which includes a cashbox, calculator and passbooks for members to record their transactions. These groups have 98% female membership, which is crucial to promoting gender equality and improving the status and decision-making power of girls and women in their families and communities. It has been proven that women are more likely than men to spend their earnings on food, medical care and education for their children. Therefore female financial independence is the key to reducing poverty on a large scale.

Thank you!

Links:

• Plan in Senegal
• PAGES in Senegal
• Creating an opportunity through microfinance