By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI) in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria with funding from Global Affairs Canada has successfully conducted a training for 60 women leaders from Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) across Alkaleri, Bauchi, and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
The training which is a strategic effort to boost grassroots economic growth and enhance community development, took place from 24 to 26 August 2026.
Facilitated by an expert trainer from Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA),Lady Bukar, the capacity-building initiative combined slide presentations, group discussions, practical exercises, and interactive experience-sharing sessions to equip participants with both theoretical and hands-on skills.
To measure the training’s impact, facilitators conducted verbal pre-tests and post-tests, which revealed significant learning progress among the attendees. The curriculum was tailored to meet the specific structural and entrepreneurial needs of each community:
In Alkaleri LGA, the opening session focused heavily on fundamental financial literacy, including budgeting strategies, fostering a sustainable savings culture, and the vital mechanics of proper record-keeping.
The second day shifted focus toward essential business management principles. Participants were trained in strategic business planning, targeted marketing tactics, and effective customer relations.
The final day consolidated both financial and business modules, while placing a strong emphasis on leadership, transparency, and accountability within existing VSLA frameworks.
The training yielded immediate, tangible breakthroughs as participants actively put their new knowledge into practice.
To ensure long-term sustainability, comprehensive manuals and business toolkits were distributed to all sixty leaders to guide their ongoing learning.
In Alkaleri, participants openly discussed overcoming previous challenges as one leader admitted she had always relied solely on memory to track her group’s financial contributions.
Following the practical exercises, she expressed newfound confidence in using physical record books to ensure total transparency for her members.
The business management session in Bauchi sparked immediate entrepreneurial collaboration. Working in groups, the women designed viable small business ideas, including a structured plan for a cooperative poultry project that they intend to pilot locally.
Meanwhile, the final consolidation day in Ganjuwa triggered vital conversations regarding the internal management of group funds.
Attendees shared personal experiences and jointly mapped out strategies to use their new skills to prevent financial mismanagement.
By building the capacity of these sixty structural leaders, the initiative successfully advanced its core objectives: strengthening community ownership, improving financial accountability, and enhancing entrepreneurial skills among local women.
Organisers note that the upgraded skills of these VSLA leaders will not only fortify their respective associations but will also directly contribute to increasing household incomes and driving broader community development across Bauchi State.
