BLUE VENTURES conducts VSLA trainings in Timor Leste
Empowering local communities to adapt more effectively to climate change is key to building resilience. In Timor-Leste, Blue Ventures, in partnership with Konservasaun Flora no Fauna and coastal communities, is working to protect and monitor marine habitats and fisheries. The goal: enhance food security and reduce the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.
As part of this approach, from February 17–18, 2025, the Financial Inclusion team at @Blue Ventures Timor Leste conducted training on Savings and Loans for the coastal communities of We Ian-En, Behedan, and Sukaer Laran Village.
This training resulted in the creation of #VSLA (Village Savings and Loan Association) groups, empowering communities to manage their own financial tools.
Objectives of the training:
- Equip communities with the knowledge and skills to form and lead VSLA groups.
- Capacitate participants on the fundamental principles of saving and lending within a group structure.
- Facilitate training on VSLA modules and group management.
- Guide participants in drafting and signing a group constitution, establishing a governance structure, and setting operational rules.
- Provide insights into the benefits and challenges of VSLA groups.
The successful establishment of a VSLA group in We Ian-En, Behedan, gathered 10 members and an initial capital of $200.
We also acknowledge the strong commitment of Sukaer Laran and Moris Foun Hera, where groups of 9 members each were created, with $90 in starting capital.
These groups are powerful tools to promote financial autonomy, facilitate access to microloans, and improve household income.
