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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 26476, member: 2262"] Farmers from Montrose 4A in Insiza District started a group to save money for farm tools. They call themselves the Stars of Tomorrow. The group has 27 members—18 women and eight men. Since starting in 2023, they have bought plows, harrows, and tools to prepare soil. Mr. Nhlanhla Sibanda heads the group. He said they learned from the Green Climate Fund program. At first, each person added $10 per month to their savings. This helped them collect enough money for basic needs. The group bought wheelbarrows and corn seeds last year. This year, they saved $3,933 and bought more equipment. They plan to keep growing and add more farm tools. Members learned money skills through their savings program, which helps them manage their earnings and savings. They hope to grow enough money for bigger farm projects. Ms. Memory Mpofu, who belongs to the group, said saving together keeps everyone going. She finds working alone hard, but the group stays focused. When people work as a team, everyone moves forward together. The savings plan started as part of a climate program for farms in southern Zimbabwe. The government runs it with help from the United Nations Development Programme. The Green Climate Fund pays for it. The program gives farmers training and support to deal with changing weather. The program began in June 2020 and runs until June 2027. It works in 14 areas across three parts of the country. Six districts in Matabeleland South participate. These savings groups work like small banks for rural areas. They help women and others who need money. Members put their cash together and can borrow at low cost for emergencies or small businesses. Ms. Christabert Moyo, who works as a farm advisor in Insiza Ward 19, praised Stars of Tomorrow. She said they took charge of their future beyond outside help. The group keeps bees and grows small grains, along with buying farm tools. These efforts help ensure people have enough food both nearby and across the nation. [/QUOTE]

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