Gulf International Bank UK Ltd- Mogbencha Village

WATER WELL

The water well in Mogbencha is fully functional and accessible to all community members. The WASH committee reports increased effectiveness in their monthly contributions and weekly cleaning around the well. The community has trained pump mechanics who handle repairs, with two repairs completed this year: a bearing replacement in January and a chain replacement in May 2024. These repairs were funded through monthly community contributions. The community is now preparing to replace the protection around the well.

CASE STUDY
Mariama Stevens, a community representative, shared her experience, highlighting the impact of WellFOUND's intervention:

"Previously, we faced numerous challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks due to drinking from unprotected water sources. Many children and elderly were frequently taken to health centres, sometimes resulting in the loss of lives. Now, school-going children no longer have to walk long distances for safe drinking water, reducing risks associated with fetching water early in the morning or late at night. Women now have more time to perform domestic tasks in the evening. We are grateful for the support and committed to maintaining the well’s sustainability."

MARKET GARDEN
Market gardens are crucial for women's economic empowerment and gender equality, providing income opportunities and improving nutrition. In Mogbencha village, Kagboro Chiefdom, market gardeners are predominantly middle-aged women with limited education and employment opportunities. These women have turned to market gardening to support their households and children's education.

A market garden member stated:

"We are currently practising domestic backyard gardening due to the rains and plan to cultivate the community garden after gathering seeds from our backyard gardens. We are still contributing towards the market garden development fund."

VILLAGE SAVINGS AND LOAN SCHEME (VSLA)

The Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) introduced by WellFound has empowered women and enhanced entrepreneurial capacity in Mogbencha Village, Kagboro Chiefdom, Moyamba District. The VSLA operates as a banking method, allowing rural communities to purchase shares and provide loans at agreed interest rates. This initiative has encouraged women to engage in business and support their households.

In April 2024, the scheme raised a total of about $1,000, with members taking loans for petty trading. This intervention has significantly improved living conditions by fostering savings, credit access, and income-generating activities, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for women and their children in Mogbencha village.