She also joined her local village savings and loan association (VSLA), established by the programme. In a VSLA, neighbours commit savings to a mutual fund and invest in each other’s small businesses through issuing small loans.
“Being part of the savings and credit group (VSLA) allows me to save and borrow, when necessary,” says Khatir. “When I receive the next loan, I plan to start a small business to support my farming activities, which are currently facing many difficulties because my field is located on slightly higher ground; when there is less rain, the harvests are often poor.”
Through the RESPECCT programme, Concern, the European Union, AFD and SDC have provided over €3 million in cash to 9,000 households, giving people the opportunity to buy what they most need in local markets. The programme has also invested €1 million in more than 5,000 small businesses, contributing to resilience in communities that have long struggled with extreme poverty. The programme also provides peacebuilding activities to host families and refugee families (some who have been in Chad for many years, as a result of earlier crises), which help to reduce tension in the area and build resilient, cohesive communities.