District Coperative & SME Coordinator, Mama Bank’s Project office, Reichzonia Lari (kneeling in front on the right) with two other Wau Mama Bank female officers (standing on the left and right) posing with some of the villagers who recently opened their accounts.

A silent change is happening across Wau Waria District as more people begin opening bank accounts, saving money and building small businesses through the support of Women’s Micro Bank.

From mothers selling vegetables at local markets to farmers and small business owners, many families are now gaining access to banking services for the first time.

At the centre of the work is Reichzonia Lari, who works as Project Officer for the bank and Cooperative and SME Coordinator for the district.
Lari says the response from communities has been encouraging.

“People are really interested in learning how to save and manage their money,” she said. “More mothers and small business owners are now coming forward to open accounts and apply for loans.”

The bank provides savings accounts, deposits, withdrawals and several loan programs designed to help people in the informal sector grow their income.

Wau Mama Bank Teller opening accounts for youths in the district.

One of the biggest highlights is the DDA-supported SME loan project, which is already helping women in the district start or expand small businesses.

“We are currently supporting our first 100 mothers with K1,000 each as startup capital,” Lari says. “This is helping many families create opportunities for themselves.”

Across the district, women are using the support to grow market sales, run small trade stores and support their children’s school needs.

The bank is also running financial literacy training to teach people simple budgeting, saving and record keeping skills.

“Many people are learning these things for the first time and they are excited,” Lari says. “They want to improve their lives and become financially independent.”

Despite challenges such as network issues and difficult road access into some rural areas, the bank continues reaching communities through support from councillors, pastors and local leaders.

In places like Garaina, Waria and Tekadu, trusted community representatives are helping connect villagers with banking services. Lari said the district is full of hardworking people who simply needed access and guidance.

“There are many smart and hardworking people here,” she says. “Once they are given support and opportunity, they can do so much.”

The growing interest in savings and small business development is now giving many families fresh hope for the future.

Wau Mama Bank Project Coordinator, Reichzonia Lari out and about making the people aware of the banking services.

For Wau-Waria, the expansion of banking services is not just about money.

It is about empowering communities, supporting mothers and helping local people build a better future for themselves and their children.