Cassel Farm VSLA Group Completes One Year Savings Cycle with Le19,180 Saved

22nd January 2026 marked a day of joy, pride, and celebration for the Cassel Farm community in Kissy, one of the sponsored communities of the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation, as widows and vulnerable women successfully completed their one year Village Savings and Loan Association, VSLA, cycle.

At the end of the cycle, the group recorded a total savings of Le19,180, a powerful reflection of commitment, discipline, and collective empowerment among the women.

The event was witnessed by key community stakeholders, including the community Imam and Pastor, who both offered prayers to grace the occasion and bless the women as they embarked on a new chapter of financial growth.

Delivering the welcome remarks, the Foundation’s Communications Officer, Mr. Abdul Salam Tejan-Cole, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all guests present, especially the guest speaker and representatives from the Ministry, for taking time, regardless of distance, to witness the impact being made within the communities the Foundation serves. He emphasized that such presence strengthens the Foundation’s mission of restoring hope and transforming lives.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, the Community Development Officer, Mr. Abass, highlighted the importance of VSLA in the lives of widows and vulnerable women. He explained how the savings program has positively impacted not only Cassel Farm but also other communities that have completed their cycles and gone on to begin new VSLA journeys, proving the sustainability and effectiveness of the initiative.

On behalf of the chairladies, Madam Agnes delivered a moving testimony on how the Foundation has dignified their lives through savings and empowerment. She shared how the impact of the program has extended to their children, particularly through training and job ready skills, reaffirming that the Foundation is shaping lives and strengthening families.

Representing the Ministry of Social Welfare, Mr. Musa, spoke on the importance of empowering widows and vulnerable women. He commended the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation for its remarkable work and emphasized the value of continued collaboration between the Foundation and the Ministry to deepen community impact.

A special moment of excitement followed as Mr. Alhaji Mohmoudu T. Koroma, guest and adviser to the Foundation, alongside the community chief, led the savings share out. One after another, the women stepped forward to receive their savings, each greeted with smiles, joy, and applause. Mr. Koroma later addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of savings and expressing how inspiring it was to witness the happiness and achievements of the women. He concluded by thanking the Foundation for its unwavering commitment and amazing work.

Outstanding members were also recognized.

Kadiatu Kabia, who saved the highest amount, received a half bag of rice and a carton of tomatoes as a gift and motivation from the Foundation.

Sarah Kanu, the most consistent VSLA member, was also presented with a half bag of rice as a token of appreciation, which she received with gratitude and excitement.

To formally mark the milestone, a Certificate of Completion was awarded to the Cassel Farm VSLA group for the successful completion of their first savings cycle. The certificate was presented by the Community Development Officer of the Foundation alongside Madam Haja, Chairlady of the Mountain Cut community. The group chairlady, Madam Adama, received the certificate on behalf of the group.

In her vote of thanks, Madam Adama expressed deep appreciation to the Jamil and Nyanga Jaward Foundation for initiating a program that will serve as a strong pillar for many women, helping them invest in micro businesses, pay their children’s school fees, meet household needs, and build a more secure future. She also thanked fellow chairladies from other communities, community members, and all guests who came to grace and support the event.

The celebration at Cassel Farm once again demonstrated the power of community driven savings and the Foundation’s continued commitment to empowering widows and vulnerable women across Sierra Leone.