Financial Autonomy Program
TOBFC’s Akiba! Nufaika! Program helps vulnerable individuals save and loan money to one another. The group consists of 15 or more members, to a maximum of 30 women. They consist of women from various indigenous groups who already know each other and are from the same village to ensure accountability from each woman. In this way, the groups are starting with a base level of trust. At the first meeting, TOBFC provides basic business training and a variety of materials to each group member. The pricing of each share is determined, and while the price varies, most groups put a share at 1000TSH. The group is responsible for meeting every month to buy shares. Once a share is bought, the money is placed in the group's bank account. When enough shares have been purchased, the group members begin loaning to one another. The women within the group decide who receives the loan each month. After 6 months to 1 year, members are returned their shares, as well as any dividends they may have accrued. This process is then repeated.