1. PRINCIPLES OF ESTABLISHING VIABLE GROUPS T. MUKUYU Independent Consultant for S.A.T mukuyutalk@comone.co.zw

2.  Group must be small  Homogeneous  Specific objectives or issues  Group must be voluntary and democratic in terms of;  Membership  Leadership  Rules of governance  Activities and decisions  No members should be more equal than others

3.  Only those interested  Small groups “Mbeva zhinji hadzina marishe”, says the old Shona adage.  Members should be aware of both their rights/benefits and responsibilities/obligations.  Attend meetings regularly.  Pay membership fees if there are any.  Elect group leadership  Members should pay back group loans on time.  Members should assist each other in times of need.  Only those interested  Small groups “Mbeva zhinji hadzina marishe”, says the old Shona adage.  Members should be aware of both their rights/benefits and responsibilities/obligations.  Attend meetings regularly.  Pay membership fees if there are any.  Elect group leadership  Members should pay back group loans on time.  Members should assist each other in times of need.

4.  Generally higher percentage than men in rural communities  Sometimes may have women only groups  Must be included in leadership – Beijing Conference  Some men need education on women leadership

5. NAME FOR THE GROUP MEETINGS  May be based on their village or activity or locality  Must come out of group democratic process  May be based on their village or activity or locality  Must come out of group democratic process  Dates and times must be shared  Convenient to all not to exclude others  May have more regular meetings in the group formative stages  Dates and times must be shared  Convenient to all not to exclude others  May have more regular meetings in the group formative stages

6.  Good leadership  Contributions either cash or material  Group constitution  Record keeping  Transparency  Willingness to learn  Communal spirit