Building Resilience in Conflict Affected and Fragile Communities of Karamoja (BRICK) project is transforming lives through its Cash for Work program. Beyond providing immediate financial support, the project fosters financial inclusion and entrepreneurship through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
Lowanyang Mariko, a beneficiary of the project and resident of Lonyasan village, enthusiastically shares his experience;
“I’ve learned to save and borrow money within my community. It’s amazing how our collective efforts have created a safety net.”
Lokiru’s group, comprising 25 members, saves UGX 2,500 (approximately USD 0.68) weekly and are already giving out loans to each other, facilitating small businesses and agricultural projects.
To enhance establishment and strengthening of community livelihood groups in the project target areas, Raimiriam Civil Society Network-Karamoja has embarked on training community-based trainers to support in training young women, and men in the different skills which include digital literacy, life skills, entrepreneurship, environment protection and mindset change.
According to Magdalena Ederu, the Governance and Advocacy Officer, Riamiriam Civil Society Network-Karamoja, the objective of the training conducted in the local dialect was to empower VSLA members in group dynamics, meeting procedures, conflict resolution, and democratic decision-making, group leadership, members’ duties and responsibilities.
Breaking the cycle of poverty
Richard Omoding, Executive Director of Riamiriam Civil Society Network-Karamoja, says the project empowered communities to take charge of their financial futures.
“By promoting saving and lending, we’re breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence,” adds Omoding.
Nakwatulina Akello, another beneficiary from Rupa sub-county, testifies; “I borrowed UGX 50,000 (approximately USD 13) from my VSLA group to start a small vegetable garden. Now, I’m earning a steady income and supporting my family.”
The BRICK project’s approach prioritizes community ownership and leadership. Lokiru’s whose group has elected its own leadership and established rules for savings and lending said;
“VSLAs have united us. We’re no longer reliant on external aid, we’re building our own economic resilience.”
Scaling impact
With over 300 members participating in VSLAs, the BRICK project is poised to create lasting change in Karamoja.
Lawrence Achia, the Commercial Officer, Moroto District notes that the savings groups have enhanced the overall impact of the Cash for Work program adding that it’s a sustainable, community-driven solution to poverty reduction.”
According to the UNDP’s Karamoja Resilience Report, ” UNDP has supported VSLAs as a mode of economic empowerment for women, youth and the vulnerable in Karamoja sub region; an area that has suffered years of insecurity and drought. VSLA`s have contributed significantly to increased financial inclusion and resilience among pastoralist communities.”
As the BRICK project continues to empower communities, Lokiru’s words resonate: “We’re not just recipients but entrepreneurs, building a brighter future for ourselves and our families.”
The Building Resilience in Conflict Affected Communities in Karamoja (BRICK) project aims to enhance economic resilience, social cohesion, and infrastructure development in Karamoja, Implemented by UNDP, KOICA, and local partners, BRICK seeks to improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
Fact Box:
- 300+ households now involved in VSLA activities
- UGX 4.8 million (approximately USD 1,320) saved collectively by the groups in 2 months
