By Theresa Kef Sesay
30 women farmers, all of them residents of Tissana Village, Russel along the Freetown Peninsular axis were full of excitement to share-out eighty million Leones among themselves in their Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) after a successful one-year business.
It has been three years now since the VSLA was formed in that community by Caritas Freetown -Justice and Peace Commission (CF-JPC) in partnership with TROCIARE and with funds from Irish Aid.
CF-JPC Livelihood Project Field Staff, JimiamahTuray, in her remarks, explained that Caritas Freetown – JPC supported the women with assorted vegetables seeds and VSLA toolbox three years ago and that day was their third share-out session wherein 30 women share profits from what they have sold from their agricultural products.
She furthered that the project lasted for two years but the women did not stop after the two years but decided to continue from what Caritas supported them with which made them to enjoy their third share-out session.
According to her the highest person received Le 3,600,000 and the lowest Le 890,000 depending on how they brought in their profits.
Madam Turay went on to reveal that the initial stage the project targeted 25 women but the number was increased to 30 because of the commitment the others shown.
She described the project as sustainable because the women still continue with the seeds, farming and share-out session.
The beneficiaries of the project have their private gardens where they plant different agricultural produce besides their group farming.
The women outlined their business successes to this medium within the three years of the project during their VSLA Share-Out Session which took place on the 14th September, 2021 at Tissana Village.
Isatu Sesay said she bought land with their two years’ profit. She described the project as beneficial to them and expressed hope to invest with what she received that day.
Ramatu Koroma, a vegetable farmer, is another beneficiary. She explained that she always sells her products in the market after harvest.
Ramatu is currently paying for land in that village and also paying her kids school fees. She asked for more support from Caritas and JPC as they are happy for the project.
Aminata Sesay aka Woman Power said she is paying her children school fees, doing business out of the village and determine to have her own house in that village. She is planting okra, cucumbers among other things.
She joined Ramatu to ask for more help to continue what she is doing.
Hawa Turay contact person for Caritas – JPC and CARL expressed thanks for the project and said they have lot of experience from the project because their livelihood is agriculture.
She called for more women empowerment in Tissana and beyond.
The women were excited to share their experiences about the project; display some of their businesses and achievement and their future plans.
