The retail cooperative and saving project

With this project, Sahayatri Nepal is giving the villagers the opportunity to invest money in a savings account for the first time. Many villagers do not have a bank account, let alone a savings account. Women in particular have no access to banks and financial cooperatives, and in many cases are completely dependent on their husbands for financial matters. Sahayatri Nepal also wants to offer women an opportunity to save money.

The organization has invested 100,000 Nepalese rupees ($1,000) as the main capital in a savings fund owned by the community. Anyone who wants to participate pays 100 rupees per month into an own individual savings account and can generate savings. From the $1000 main capital, participants can also take a loan at the normal interest rate. The savings account is administered by the group itself and the teachers of the Adult Literacy Program, who also train the participants in financial management.

Goals of the retail cooperative and saving project

-to enabling women to save money
-to convey competence in financial management