The Salaama Women's Savings Group
Salaama means ‘peace’ or ‘security’ in Arabic and perfectly captures the spirit of the Salaama Women's Savings Group in Ocea, Rhino Refugee Camp Settlement. The group was founded as part of Malteser International's Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) initiative. ‘Our lives have really changed. Some of us came to Uganda from South Sudan without a husband, so the community of the group has helped us,’ says Rhoda Thomas, the group's chairperson. With 20 groups and 390 members, the VSLA programme has become an important source of support and empowerment for refugees in the region.
The Salaama Women's Savings Group was founded in April 2023 with 16 women and 4 men. With the support of Malteser International, the group received important tools such as a money box, notebooks and rugs for their meetings. Malteser International staff also trained the members, particularly on saving and running small businesses. For Rhoda, who previously struggled to run her mandazi (fried dough) business, this support has changed her attitude towards entrepreneurship. She now confidently calculates her profits, chooses the best location for her business, nurtures her customer relationships and makes informed decisions about her business operations.
Building a community of support
The group meets every Wednesday at 2pm to save money together. Three members have a key to this piggy bank. Contributions are recorded according to a 5-star system - 1 star stands for 2,000 shillings, 5 stars for 10,000 shillings - so that members can save and borrow according to their means. Members of the organisation can borrow up to three times the value of their savings. In addition to financial support, the group offers members a platform to share their problems and support each other, making it a second family for many.
Despite their successes, the group faces challenges. As the World Food Programme and UNHCR have less funding available, support for refugees in Uganda has had to be cut and many now receive neither food nor cash, so they need alternative sources of income. Transport costs have also risen sharply in recent years. Nevertheless, the group is not discouraged and continues to meet for coffee and pool their small savings to start and expand businesses. Rhoda expressed her gratitude: ‘When God opened the door to Malteser International, we started saving. By taking out loans, we were able to expand our businesses. I am now more positive about the future for my daughters. We will not lose hope. We will go slow - slow to sell our things. God bless Malteser International and the donors. God will find a way.’
A future full of hope
The Salaama Women's Savings Group is a testament to the power of community and resilience. Through their collective efforts, members have been able to pay school fees for their children, buy larger supplies in the town of Arua and improve their living conditions. Rhoda summarises: ‘Thanks to the profits from the business, our children now go to schools in the city. Most of the women in the group are widows and single parents.
With the continued support of Malteser International and the dedication of its members, this group continues to pave the way to a better future. Together, they show that communities can thrive even in the face of adversity and build a better life for themselves and their families.
