Saroj was an unemployed young adult; his family had been unable to afford an education for him. So when Tearfund partner ETSC introduced self-help groups to Saroj’s community in Hetauda, Nepal, he decided to join one.
He started to save a small amount of money each week, and eventually he was able to take a loan of US$13, which he used to buy a female goat. This goat gave birth to many more goats, and Saroj earned more than $2,680 over the next three and a half years by raising and selling them.
Saroj is now rearing more than ten goats and has bought three cows with his profits. He makes around $11 a day by selling milk. His kitchen garden, which was unproductive, is filled with vegetables fertilised by manure from his animals.
SHG app
Saroj is now a self-help group facilitator, and he was one of the first in the area to use the self-help group application (SHG app). This is a digital platform that helps facilitators establish, run and develop their groups. It can be accessed on mobile phones or tablets.
The SHG app is available in multiple languages, including Nepali. It contains detailed guidance and support for both facilitators and groups including:
- information about core self-help group processes such as electing people for the different roles, savings and loans, and how to begin income-generating activities
- governance steps that the groups need to follow each week
- ideas for how to run effective meetings and encourage discussion, including the use of role play, songs and drama
- resources such as templates and forms, making it easier to keep detailed and accurate records of attendance, financial transactions and other activities.
The digital platform also allows programme managers and coordinators to see how groups are progressing, and identify areas where additional support might be needed.
