Vulnerable youth and women living within the same community and clearly know and trust each other, come together to form a group and achieve the same goal. A total of 12 women become members to a group, they come up with simple bye-laws to guide their group and undergo business training from the organization. The group of 12 women agrees to work together and support each other during the loan and saving process. It is through the group that Risen Sustainable Development is able to provide the small loans. The group therefore acts as security for the loan that the organization provides, thus loans given out are based on social capital and the trust that the women generate between each other. In case of any challenge, the women work together to solve the challenge. The group of Youth and women meets weekly to repay the loans, attend adult literacy classes, share with each other about the challenges and successes and of course seek advice to improve their businesses.

The group acts as a conduit through which Risen Sustainable Development communicates with the women several issue pertaining the women’s lives. It is through the group that we provide counseling to the women, provide adult literacy training, collect loans, support the women undergoing challenging situations, member saving and empowering. The group therefore is vital to supporting and empowering the vulnerable women holistically.