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- PROGRAMS -

Introduction

Literacy

Savings Groups

Economics

Men's Group

Regional Workshops

SAVINGS GROUPS

Once a month each group member saves the same amount into the common fund. EDWON gives each new savings group $20 in seed money, so the members can start borrowing right away. $20 buys three goats in rural Nepal. The group decides on ground rules such as rates of saving, interest rates and loan repayment requirements. 

Members take turns borrowing for income-generating activities. As the group savings grow, all the members may take loans simultaneously. The collective savings of the group is always lent out and earning interest. The life of each loan is usually two months.

The women use the loans for projects such as buying livestock or seeds, or inventory for a tea stall. They also start small businesses together. A member with special needs, such as sickness or crop failure, gets priority. The group meets monthly, and all transactions are conducted and recorded in plain view of the whole group. Repayment of loans is 100%, because of the strong feelings of solidarity fostered in the group. With only one exception, all the groups formed since 1996 continue to function and grow today.