ELIZABETH APPIAH & Freeworld International

Elizabeth Appiah, Financial Manager for Freeworld International, a non-governmental organization fighting against diseases, poverty, illiteracy and social injustice, received a Giving Joy grant to lead an income generation training for 50 women village saving and loan associations (VSLAs) leaders in Ejisu Municipality, Ghana.

The training built capacity of the VSLA leaders to innovatively and carefully select viable income generation activities to bring income into the VSLA account and increase their ability to support their members. Activities introduced include: Solar drying of fruits, vegetables and herbs; processed fruit and vegetables; marketing of dairy products; agricultural production; bee keeping and mushroom production.

The grant empowered the organization to enhance financial inclusion for 150 poor and vulnerable women in Ejisu. The funds facilitated skill improvement and contributed to the growth and sustainability of six VSLAs. Additionally, 1,050 children from the households of direct beneficiaries indirectly benefited. The parents, now financially empowered, can afford basic school needs and meals for their children, while also having the capacity to contribute to household income planning decisions.