Self-Help Groups Program

Empowering Communities Through Financial Independence

Our Self-Help Groups Program addresses the critical challenge of financial accessibility for those excluded from traditional banking.

Who We Serve

Our primary focus:

• Women in markets and small stalls - 57% of MSMEs are in trading
• Youth and fresh graduates - lacking collateral for bank loans
• People with Disabilities (PWDs) - often excluded from financial services
• Agricultural entrepreneurs - considered "too risky" by banks
• Informal sector workers - 72% of enterprises are micro/informal

The ABCD Model

We use the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Model - an "Integrated and Induced" approach inspired by successful examples:

Learning from Success Stories:

• Grameen Bank (Bangladesh): Prof. Yunus Mohammed's 1982 microfinance model
• SCOAN Church: "Ebbaasa yo Wagijjuzza" - 120 days × UGX 2,500 = UGX 300,000
• Buganda Kingdom: Ettofaali Fund mobilizing massive resources
• House of Prayer Ministries: Community pooling for development

How Self-Help Groups Work

Formation (15-20 Members):

• Homogeneous groups with shared interests
• Weekly/monthly meetings for saving
• Democratic leadership and decision-making
• Transparent record-keeping

Savings & Loans:

• Members contribute regular premiums (not interest)
• Pool grows through consistent saving
• Members access loans for business at minimal/no interest
• Repayments strengthen the pool for others

Seed Capital:

• Pearl Foundation provides: UGX 2,000,000 to establish new group
• Group manages: Democratic distribution to members
• Members invest: In income-generating activities
• Returns strengthen: Group fund becomes self-sustaining

The Mukubebe/Makuyege Manner

"Working Together as Termites"

Small, consistent contributions + collective effort = Massive results

Example: Contributing UGX 2,500 daily for 120 days = UGX 300,000 startup capital!

Typical Loan Sizes

• Micro business startup: UGX 200,000 - 500,000
• Market stall expansion: UGX 300,000 - 800,000
• Agricultural investment: UGX 500,000 - 1,500,000
• Emergency assistance: UGX 100,000 - 300,000

Success Factors

Based on our research, successful groups demonstrate:

1. Homogeneity: Shared backgrounds, values, or interests
2. Trust: Built through regular interaction and transparency
3. Clear Rules: Written constitution and bylaws
4. Regular Meetings: Consistent schedule (weekly/monthly)
5. Financial Discipline: Accurate records and accountability
6. Conflict Resolution: Mechanisms to handle disagreements
7. Community Values: Biblical/cultural principles of unity

Our Vision: Pearl Savings & Loan Institution

Transform Self-Help Groups into a nationally recognized and licensed financial institution serving communities across Uganda with:

• Formal banking services
• Larger loan capacities
• Savings products
• Insurance services
• Financial literacy training

Where We Work

• Markets: Supporting women traders and stall owners
• Rural Communities: Agricultural and livestock groups
• Urban Areas: Service sector micro-enterprises
• Youth Groups: Fresh graduates starting businesses

Impact Statistics

MSMEs in Uganda:

• Employ 2.5 million+ people (90% of private sector)
• Contribute 40% to GDP
• Account for 95% of business establishments
• Generate 80% of manufactured output

When we solve the finance problem for MSMEs, we unlock Uganda's economic potential!

Join a Self-Help Group

Interested in forming or joining a group? Contact us:

• Phone: 0707199126 / 0783223883
• Website: www.pearlfoundationug.org

"Together, small contributions create massive transformation!"