Darlou Alexandre, Communications Officer – Haiti

PETIT-TROU DE NIPPES, HAITI. In the heart of Jeanty, a rural community in the third communal section of Petit-Trou de Nippes, 35 women gathered to mark a significant milestone: the completion of the first year of the local Village Savings and Credit Association (AVEC), a community-based savings and credit initiative aimed at fostering financial inclusion and resilience. With widespread economic hardship in Haiti, loan and savings programs can be transformative, fueling entrepreneurship and household stability.

Launched in June 2024 as part of MI Americas’ food security and nutritional recovery program, the initiative was designed to support communities still grappling with the aftermath of the 2021 earthquake that devastated infrastructure and social systems. MI Americas’ AVEC group is one of only eight operating in the region, offering women access to financial services through collective savings and low-interest loans.

“Before, I didn’t even know programs like this existed,” said Rosemarie, the group’s treasurer. “Now I can borrow to support my activities and feel more autonomous. Our lending rate is just 2%, compared to the exorbitant rates we used to face.”

Each Wednesday, members convene to purchase shares, review loan activity, and manage their communal fund. Over the past year, the Jeanty group has amassed 577,110 Haitian gourdes, enabling members to invest in small businesses, agriculture, education, and livestock.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to save regularly,” said Solange, a member of the group. “Unlike borrowing from individuals, we have up to three months to repay our loans. It’s life changing.”

Beyond financial access, the program provides training in fund management, recordkeeping, and strategic planning, all skills that have bolstered participants’ confidence and standing within their community.

The conclusion of the first cycle was celebrated with a ceremony where members reviewed their progress, redistributed savings and interest, and set new goals for the upcoming cycle. According to project officer Yvio, the initiative’s core mission remains clear: “To build an economic safety net for women, empowering them to take control of their financial futures.”

As the second cycle begins, the women of Jeanty continue to demonstrate solidarity, financial well-being, and shared purpose.