How savings and financial skills are transforming the lives of young mothers in South Sudan's Yajaf Payam
Discover how Mimi, a mother from Nyagga Village in South Sudan, improved her life through savings and small business training. With help from the GREAN project, Mimi now earns income, supports her family, and shows how community efforts can bring hope and change.
Nyagga Village, known as Hai Kampala by the locals, is a fast-growing community located south of Juba City in Tokiman West Boma, Rajaf Payam, Central Equatoria State. This area is home to over five hundred families living on land that hasn't been officially surveyed. Sadly, the people living there struggle to access financial services. One of the residents, Mimi Peter, the mother of seven who also has disabilities, faces challenges in achieving financial stability.
In 2022, World Vision South Sudan, with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), started the Greater Resilience Through Enhanced Agriculture and Nutrition (GREAN) project. The Saving for Transformation (S4T) model was a major part of this project, which focused on helping communities by encouraging group savings and teaching important financial skills. This led to the formation of the Marhab S4T group, which brought together 25 women from the village, including Mimi. The group became more than a savings club; it fostered teamwork, built friendships, and provided its members financial independence.
Before joining the savings group, Mimi had never been involved in any business because she didn't have enough money to start. She often finds it hard to buy basic things for her family and depends on unpredictable income to care for them. However, after getting training in financial skills and small business management from the GREAW project team, the 47-year-old was able to practice saving regularly and gathered 95,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), which is about 30 USD, in one year. When the cycle ended, she received a dividend of 45,000 SSP (around 15 USD), which gave her a significant financial boost and a chance to change her life.
Instead of using her money for immediate needs, Mimi made a smart choice. She combined her savings from the year with the dividends she received and bought two plastic chairs. Then, she started a small business selling roasted groundnuts and coffee from her home. This venture not only gave her a reliable income but also changed how she viewed financial independence. “I used to have a hard time because I didn’t have enough money for even basic things like chairs. But with the training and help from World Vision, I learned how important it is to save. Now, I run my own business and have made friends through our S4T group, which makes me feel like I belong and secure,” Mimi explained.
Even though Mimi has made some progress, she and her husband still struggle with money, especially when it comes to paying for their three children's school fees. Her husband's lack of a job makes things more challenging, but Mimi stays hopeful. She believes that by saving more and growing her business, she can create a better future for her family. Mimi's story shows how powerful savings groups can be. What started as a simple way to save money has become a source of economic strength, community support, and family stability.
The Marhab S4T group is an excellent example of how financial programs led by the community can help individuals, families, and whole neighbourhoods succeed. Mimi says, “I am really thankful to World Vision South Sudan for helping us see new possibilities. I urge more women to join our savings group—Marhab—or even start their own. Together, through saving and supporting each other, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our kids.” Savings groups are changing lives in Nyagga Village by promoting financial inclusion and self-empowerment, showing that real development begins with the community.
Story & photos by Mambu Evans | Assistant FSL Officer, GREAW project