Helping Citizens Debt Free with ASCA

Lilis Herawati (49), a housewife who is also the wife of the head of the RW 02 Cipinang Besar Selatan, has always been active in coordinating all Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) activities in her area. She also works for the management of the Cucak Rowo Waste Bank with the residents of RW 02.

"I hope that through the waste bank, people can start to get used to managing the waste in their respective homes, and waste that is worth selling can be saved in the waste bank," she said excitedly.

Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) through the PHINLA Project socialized ASKA (Savings and Loans Association for Child Welfare) at the Cucak Rowo Waste Bank. At the meeting, it was agreed to form an ASKA group consisting of customers and management of the Cucak Rowo waste bank. Lilis was elected to be the head of the ASKA group.

At first, she was confused and did not understand the process that had to be followed to carry out ASKA activities, but after attending the socialization and conducting simulations, he understood.

“I am increasingly convinced that ASKA's goal is for the welfare of children and society. The process is easy, saving does not have to be in large amounts, there are no administrative costs like we save in a bank and increase cohesiveness among fellow members,” she said.

According to Lilis, ASKA can help residents and their members who have urgent financial needs. Residents can borrow with a fast process and administrative fees that have been mutually agreed upon.

“What is certain is that ASKA is very helpful for the needs of people whose economy is middle to lower. I hope that ASKA can continue to grow and there will be no more people who have to be in debt to pay for their children's schooling," she concluded.
 

Written by: Pedaman Halawa, Hanung Sutaryadi, and Bakti Prakoso, Staff of Phinla Project Wahana Visi Indonesia