Meet In’utu from Zambia

Catholic Relief Services’ microfinance programs in Zambia and around the world help people in the poorest communities earn more money to support their families and set aside savings for the future. Community groups provide loans that help members start small businesses to earn better incomes. These programs reflect the Catholic social teaching principle the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers.

My name is In’utu Kokola and I live in Mongu, Zambia. My husband and I are farmers, but we aren’t able to grow enough food on our land to support our family. I was very happy when CRS came to our village and helped us start a Savings and Internal Lending Community (SILC).

My SILC group meets every two weeks, and the members put the money they have saved into our bank. Group members may also request loans to help them start small businesses. They must explain how much money they will need and how they plan to use it, and the rest of the group votes on whether or not to grant the loan. The loans are paid back with interest, which increases the amount of money in our bank. We keep careful records of how much money each person puts into our savings and how much we loan out. We also have a “social fund,” from which members can take loans to pay for doctor’s visits for sick family members and other emergencies. With the loan I received, I opened a shop in the market where I sell vegetables and corn meal. I now have money to feed my family, buy medicine, and pay school fees for my grandchildren. Being part of this SILC group is a really great way for me to provide a better life for my family.