It’s amazing to see rural communities doing great things from the money that has been generated within the precincts of the community. We’re happy that we have seen all this for ourselves. We’ll continue to work with ASAP with a view to establishing a long-term relationship. Pro-poor initiatives like these are close to the heart of the UNDP, and this project needs to be scaled up.

This comment from Mr. Bill Chanza, UNDP Programme Officer in Malawi after spending the day experiencing ASAP’s rural Village Savings & Lending (VSL) program last week.

Pictured here Victor Katchika-Jere, ASAP Africa Malawi's Country Director welcomed Fletcher Chilumpha and his delegation at ASAP's office in Blantyre before proceeding to one of ASAP’s rural project sites in Lunzu.

The group had the opportunity to see newly formed savings clubs and the role that VSL has played so far in improving their livelihoods. Groups shared the project methodology and their income generating activities. Then the delegation visited an area where mature groups have been working together for many months - into their second cycle of savings. These groups explained different developments that had taken place because of the money that had been shared out after their graduations. These women proudly showcased their small scale businesses and were very excited at the pace at which their second cycle of their savings and lending clubs had taken-off, building momentum after realizing the benefits of their hard work together.

ASAP Africa Malawi has now entered into a two year partnership with FIMA, a UNDP funded institution. Victor Katchika-Jere is confident that this is only the beginning of a long-term partnership that will blossom and grow, bring substantial improvements in household and food security to southern Malawi for years to come. To read more about FIMA Click here.