Rosint, Bombali District, Sierra Leone – September 3, 2025 – Bright Light Projects (BLP) Sierra Leone marked a significant achievement today as the Rosint Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) Mothers’ Club opened their savings box, a testament to the resilience of rural women, many of whom are widows and caregivers of Ebola orphans under BLP’s Mend the Gap Schooling Program (MDG) for Vulnerable Ebola Orphans and Survivors, launched in 2016. The VSLA, a sustainable exit strategy for MDG, empowers women in communities disconnected from mainstream financial institutions with essential financial literacy skills.
The session, attended by 25 members (22 women and three men), began with a silent prayer and introductions. The group raised 16,800 Leones, transparently distributed to support their children’s education and welfare as they prepare for the 2025/2026 school year. Since its inception in 2021 with seed funding from BLP, the VSLA program has taught women in Bombali District how to save, manage manual bookkeeping, access loans for family needs, start small businesses, and reinvest profits for greater returns.
This milestone builds on prior successes, such as BLP’s recent monitoring visit to Rosint, where members requested branded polo T-shirts to strengthen group identity—a request under consideration by BLP leadership. “The VSLA has given us the tools to secure our children’s future,” said a Rosint Mothers’ Club member, reflecting the program’s impact on fostering self-reliance and community trust.
BLP remains committed to rebuilding communities through initiatives like the VSLA, ensuring sustainable economic growth for vulnerable populations. To learn more or support our mission, visit www.brightlightprojects.org. #WomenEmpowerment
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