Workforce Empowerment in Sierra Leone

In the last report, we intriduced you to Hawanatu (Hawa for short), a single mother, small business owner who benefitted from the funds YOU donated.  The funds helped her restart her business - where she buys rice by the bag and then retails it.  Buying rice retailed in this way is common for people who do not have the resources to buy a full-sized bag

We talked a bit further with Hawa - and she was full of gratitude.  We also got the opportunity to see her in action - where she sells rice and chats with a customer.  Be sure to watch the video as you can see some local color- scenery from Wellington, a suburb of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

In the video, Hawa says a big "Thank You" to YOU for your support.  Your kindness helped make it possible for her to purchase the rice and restart her business. Because of YOU she is now happy, busy and back in business.  She is now able to provide for herself and her children. Thanks so much for helping her get back on track.

This Wednesday June 25th is Bonus Day and YOUR donation of any amount - up to $1000 - will be matched dollar for dollar by Microsoft YouthSpark, YOU can help us continue to provide a hand up and microfinance funds for people like Hawa.

Beginning Wednesday at NOON (EDT) until funds run out or June 26th at 11:59 AM, your donation will be DOUBLED allowing for an even bigger impact together!  Thank you helping us to secure the matching funds that will make a huge difference in the lives of small businesses in Africa!

Links:

• Video of Hawa Saying Thanks

Good news - we together have once again helped to change the course of life of one more person.  A months or so ago, we got to hear of the desperate situation that Hawa was in.  Thankfully, we were able to help turn her life around and bring new hope 

Hawa is a mother of three children but lost her husband five years ago. She lives in a single bedroom zinc house with no running water and electricity. The floor in her room is not pave and this has been a source of sickness for her children. She is the sole provider of the home. She does domestic work like laundry and cooking for people in the community. Whatever she earns from people she uses it to raise her children. The present hardship in Sierra Leone is making things difficult for Hawa and her children. Domestic jobs are scarcely available now.

Hawa wanted to start a rice business - buying rice in a large bag and then retailing this by cup.  This practice is common in Sierra Leone.  

From the funds that YOU donated, we provided her with a bag of rice and a big bowl to help launch her business.  You can see this in the attached photo.

Thanks to your support, Hawa is now a happy woman.  Joshua, our local Coordinator, reports that she is no longer idle. She is now productive - selling rice to help take care of her children She was so grateful for the support you have provided - bringing an income stream and support to her family. 

Its heart warming to be in a position to bring hope - and help to change the world one person at a time.  We are truly grateful for your support that made this possible.

Let's take this to the next level: Hawa would love to expand her business and we would like to help her with additional seed money that will help her provide / sell complimentary condiments.  There is a definite demand for this in her community and your support can make this possible.  Could you make a donation of $25 or more today towards this?  This would further help Hawa raise her family and eradicate poverty. 

Let's together make poverty a thing of the past in Hawa's life - make your donation today!  Thanks for your support.