Published: December 10, 2025
BORLIA, Gbarpolu County — The Friends of Collins (FOC) Village Savings Association has celebrated its ninth graduation cycle, marking what organizers say is the largest annual payout since the program began in 2016 and a major step forward for women’s economic empowerment in rural Gbarpolu District #2.
The 2024–2025 cycle generated more than L$8 million through member contributions, loans and interest repayments—an achievement community leaders hailed as “transformational” for household financial stability and poverty reduction. The association’s 63 active women received individual share-outs many described as life-changing, with several surpassing the L$200,000 threshold.
The ceremony, held in Borlia, drew hundreds of residents and featured former Public Works Minister Ruth Coker Collins as keynote speaker. The initiative’s founder, Representative Luther S. Collins, also attended, reaffirming his commitment to expanding community savings programs across the district.
Coker Collins: “Brace Yourselves—Hard Work Is What Brought You Here”
Addressing the women, Coker Collins praised their determination and urged them to remain focused amid national economic difficulties.
“I saw how much effort the people of Borlia and surrounding towns applied to reach here today,” she said. “It is through determination and hard work that you are celebrating this moment.”
She emphasized that savings groups strengthen household cooperation and empower women to contribute meaningfully to family welfare.
“The country is difficult, but here you are celebrating from your own hard-earned money,” she told the crowd. “When women can contribute to their homes, the respect remains in the house. When the men say there’s no food money, the women can say, ‘I will help.’ That brings peace.”
Coker Collins also announced a L$10,000 reward for the highest saver of the cycle, who exceeded L$200,000 in personal contributions. She additionally presented gifts to the chairlady and co-chairlady in recognition of their leadership and accountability.
A Record-Breaking Financial Year
Presenting the annual financial report, FOC Secretary-General Alfred P. Kailie noted that each member contributed a standard L$500 per hand from December 2024 to December 2025.
“Altogether, we generated a little over L$8 million,” Kailie said. “This money was given out as loans to help women support their homes, run petty businesses and solve pressing family issues. At the end of the year, the loans were repaid with interest and redistributed to the members.”
He encouraged women across Gbarpolu County to embrace savings culture as a tool for reducing dependency and improving financial discipline.
“If your husband gives you L$2,000 to cook, save at least L$200,” he advised. “At the end of the year, that savings can surprise your husband and help settle many problems in the home.”
Impressed by Kailie’s diligence in recordkeeping, Rep. Collins pledged to provide him with a new motorbike to support his administrative work across the district.
Rep. Collins: “This Is Poverty Reduction in Action”
Rep. Collins described the savings association as one of the most effective poverty-reduction tools in rural communities where formal employment remains limited.
“Our people are suffering, and we thought of what we could do to help,” he said. “This savings program is one of the ways we empower women, reduce poverty, and remove pressure from the men in the interior.”
He recalled early skepticism in 2015 and 2016, when residents dismissed the seed funds as “blood money” or “political money.” But the results, he noted, are now undeniable.
“At this ninth graduation, you all saw the evidence,” he said. “Women took home between L$97,000 and over L$200,000. That is real empowerment.”
Collins announced plans to expand the initiative to more towns, strengthen youth economic programs and continue scaling the model that has fueled financial discipline and reduced conflicts in households.
Women Share Stories of Transformation
Many participants shared testimonies highlighting the program’s impact on household income and entrepreneurial growth.
Kemah Womba, who joined the association last December, said her participation enabled her transition from small-scale fish selling to running a full provision shop.
“They gave me L$300,000 to start,” she said. “I was able to pay back the loan and still had money left to grow my business. Now I sell drinks, rice, dishes and fish. Ten women joined because they saw my progress.”
Another member, Esther Sumo, thanked Rep. Collins and his wife for sustaining a structure that helps women support their families.
“This program helps us, especially with school fees and keeping our homes stable,” she said.
A Model for Grassroots Empowerment
As the ceremony concluded with singing and celebration, community leaders pledged to use this year’s success as a model for neighboring towns and upcoming cycles.
“This program is not just about money,” Coker Collins reminded the crowd. “It is about unity, discipline and the confidence that every woman can stand up for herself.”
Nearly 10 years after its inception, the FOC Village Savings Association has emerged as one of Gbarpolu County’s most trusted grassroots empowerment initiatives—quietly transforming households, strengthening families and giving rural women the tools to thrive in an increasingly challenging economy.
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