From Savings to Sanitation: The Journey That Changed Sharifa's Life

Written By Philip Stubbings

When Sharifa Musa Namkaka joined a small savings group in her village of Chiuta, she had one clear goal in mind: to build a safe and proper toilet for her family. What she didn’t expect was that this modest goal would ignite a much bigger journey, one of resilience, collective action and renewed dignity for both herself and her entire community.

The Foundation of Jikwamue

The transformation began with the formation of Jikwamue, a community savings group launched after a training session facilitated by DMDO. Twelve members, men and women came together to create a model of empowerment built on trust and self-reliance.

Sharifa Musa with her group members

The group’s principles:

  • Purchase up to 5 shares weekly at TZS 1,000 ($0.38) each

  • Access loans up to 3× share value, repayable in one month with 15% interest

  • Contribute TZS 500 ($0.19) weekly to a shared social fund

Sharifa joined with determination. Her household had long suffered from the consequences of an unsafe latrine, frequent illness and little peace of mind. But through Jikwamue, she saw a path to change.

Laying the First Brick: A Partial Start

Before the savings cycle ended, Sharifa took a TZS 200,000 loan ($77) to initiate the construction of a better toilet. With it, she began laying bricks one at a time. But the funds fell short, and the project stalled.

Still, she didn’t lose hope.

Cultivating Change: The Cowpea Harvest

Alongside savings, Jikwamue invested in a farming project—two acres of cowpeas that soon flourished.

  • Harvest: 75 kg

  • Sales: TZS 1,500/kg = TZS 112,500 ($43)

  • Profit: The entire amount was added to the group fund, boosting the group’s financial strength

Sugar as a Microloan

Building on their success, the group launched another initiative:

  • Purchase: 25 kg of sugar for TZS 65,000 ($25)

  • Distribution: 1.75 kg per member

  • Repayment: TZS 7,500 × 12 members = TZS 90,000 ($35)

  • Profit: TZS 25,000 ($10)

This simple scheme turned a household staple into a source of income and strengthened the group’s revolving fund.

Completion at Last: Sharifa’s Breakthrough

When the savings cycle ended, Sharifa’s commitment paid off. She had accumulated 224 shares and received a payout of TZS 340,000 ($131). Sharifa used the money she got to complete the construction of her toilet. She used around TZS 550,000 ($220) to complete the toilet that had once seemed out of reach.

Sharifa Musa outside her new Toilet

"I am truly grateful to the group; it helped me build a proper toilet. I no longer live in fear of diseases like before." Sharifa Musa Namkaka

A Ripple Through the Community

Jikwamue is now far more than a savings group. It has become:

  • A platform for inclusive decision-making

  • A model for community discipline and creativity

  • A springboard for grassroots development and dignity

Together, they have proven that big change doesn’t always begin with big money, it begins with small contributions, shared commitment and collective vision.

Philip Stubbings
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