~by Steve Clark~
On Wednesday we met with a group of 8 parents, four mothers and four fathers to discuss the savings groups that they have created. The parents were representatives and officers in two women’s and two men’s savings groups.
In 2024 with the help from Esther, the women in Bumbogo created a savings group where each woman makes a weekly contribution which is credited to her account. At the end of their savings year they use the money to purchase their annual family health insurance (about $5 per person) and meet other family needs. If a member of the group needs to make a large purchase – home repairs, medication for their children, money to start a business etc. they can take a loan from the fund and repay it with small interest. The women’s sewing group earns money on the items that they make (aprons, bags, baskets etc) to put into their personal account. In 2025 the moms at the Nduba Center also started their own savings group. The women elected officers – president, treasure etc. to manage the funds.
In Feb. 2024 the men on our team met with 16 of the fathers of LWA children, just to listen and encourage them. In August of 2025 the Golden team also met with the dads. The group had increased to 35 fathers. Following that meeting the men decided (not to be outdone by the women) to start their own savings (and support) groups at Bumbogo and Nduba, There are now 55 dads in the two groups. .
The savings groups allow the members to financially empower themselves and raise their standard of living. The savings groups also help reduce the negative cultural stigma from caring for their children with disabilities and to gain respect from their friends and neighbors. The mission team from St. James gave each of the women and men a $25.00 contribution to put on their account. This will make a huge difference in their families.
One of the most striking things that has happened in the last two years is Gilbert’s ability to re-engage fathers with their wives and disabled children. We noticed a very tangible difference in the homes we visited where the mom was alone. The sadness was so evident. We celerbrate what God has been doing and pray for it to continue!
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