KATMANDU, Nepal–One year after Nepal’s worst earthquake in 80 years, hope has been restored to the country’s credit unions, known as Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS), according to the World Council of Credit Unions.
Nearly 9,000 lives were lost and more than 900,000 homes damaged in the earthquake. The Nepal Federation of Saving and Credit Cooperative Union Limited (NEFSCUN) estimates more than 600 members died. Although the earthquake damaged many SACCO buildings, greater challenges arose in conducting regular operational activities and transactions for members, according to WOCCU.
Thousands of members—who depend on livestock and agriculture—were devastated by the deaths of relatives and loss of land and farming equipment, WOCCU reported.
In collaboration with development partners and support from individual and credit union contributions, the Worldwide Foundation provided NEFSCUN with a $175,000 grant to repair building structures, replace equipment and train management officers in disaster recovery.
NEFSCUN has focused on three restoration stages: rehabilitation, rebuilding, and adjustment. Beyond branch reconstruction, rehabilitation efforts included psychological counseling services to NEFSCUN staff and members. SACCOS also offered financial literacy training and assisted members in their plans for rebuilding livelihoods, WOCCU reported.
WOCCU said the numbers related to the Worldwide Foundation’s impact show:
- 220 SACCOS received essential basic operating office equipment, software support, stationaries, relocation support, lost information recovery assistance, and soft loan support.
- 41 SACCOS were physically repaired and reconstructed.
- 41 SACCOS received technical training on financial literacy outreach to members, governance, and quality assurance assistance.
- 23 cooperative managers and NEFSCUN officers received psychological training. These managers were equipped to counsel members and assist with financial literacy training.
- 21 SACCO members received technical construction training and assisted with rebuilding efforts.
- 47 cooperative members received first aid training and attended to other wounded members.
- 25 NEFSCUN board members received training on strategic planning and direction.
- The implementation of rehabilitation and rebuilding activities took place in 14 districts of Nepal.
The World Council said its rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Nepal are now complete.
To support World Council's disaster fund, donations via check, credit card or wire may be sent to:
Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, Inc. 5710 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 53705, USA