Action Aid sensitised Gender Action Group on credit union

The forum, held at Touba Kolong village in Upper Nuimi District, was meant to link the Group to the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG) to enhance the culture of savings among members.

Lamin A. Jarju, project manager of Local Rights Programme 9, said building the understanding of GAG members on credit union would contribute to strengthening women capacity on savings, food and nutrition security and by extension poverty reduction.

He said this approach is part of Human Rights-Based Approach to development.

The project manager noted that linking GAG to credit union would contribute to better management of resources and enhance the culture of savings.

Mr Jarju pointed out that forming a credit union will create a credible alternative measure to address the development needs of people.

Jabang Tamba, NACCUG field assistance in NBR who double as the lead trainer, commended ADWAC and Action Aid for the partnership to train GAG on the importance of credit union.

He said the training would contribute and complement NACCUG’s efforts in bringing credit union to the doorsteps of the people.

Mr Tamba said establishing a credit union will contribute to increasing food security and safe keeping of financial resources for GAG members.

“It would empower and promote good governance and accountability of resources,” NACCUG official said.

Almamy Fatty of FANDEMA Credit Union also a board member of NACCUG, said credit unions can help the poverty reduction initiatives.

Members of GAG such as Aja Kaddy Janneh of Touba Kolong village, Amie Jammeh of Juffureh village and Aja Suna Mbye of Kerr Demba Holleh, commended ADWAC and Action Aid for the initiative, saying forming a credit union could help them to support the education of their children to higher levels.