SILC: A Source of Financial Stability for the ZYCALA Youth
Since the introduction of the Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) activity. ZYCALA (Zambia Youth for Conservation, Agriculture and Livelihood Action) has seen a tremendous improvement in the livelihoods of the youths and the communities at large. Today ZYCALA has saved a cumulative total of K180,000 through SILC. In the furthest distances SILC has been seen to be an alternative for the financial sector for those who do not have access to banks in their communities.
Youth participation in the Savings and internal lending communities (SILC) has helped them increase their household income and many youths have been able to fend for themselves by buying school materials, paying school fees for themselves or their family members. The benefits of SILC have also been seen to contribute to more sustainable organic agriculture practices. Through this activity, youths have been able to meet some transportation needs to move from their distant rural areas to another place to market their vegetable produce and earn a day’s income from their organic agriculture sales which in turn boosts their livelihoods. Through SILC many ZYCALA youths have also been able to meet health costs and solve their felt needs in this area.
