Project Report
| Jun 24, 2014
See Hawa - our Microfinance Beneficiary in Action
By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
Hawa and her kids
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!
Hawa says thanks
Hawa shows us a cup of rice
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Feb 21, 2014
We Helped Launch a Rice Retail Business
By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
Hawa starts a rice business
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.
Sep 1, 2013
The Support We Provided Was Definitely a Welcome Lifeline
By Sylvester Renner | President and Project Leader
Isatu
Have you noticed that the news lately seems to be dark and gloomy ? We have too. Bad news can be depressing - so here is some good news to hopefully brighten your day.
Our good news comes in the form of a brief video message from Isatu, a beneficiary of Business Training and microfinance Funds. In her YouTube video, Isatu expresses her appreciation to you for the support you have provided. As she says in the video - "I deeply appreciate it. ... I thank really God and you for what you have done to us."
The support we provided was definitely a welcome lifeline. It provided the business training that she needed to be successful and the funds she needed to start her business.
Her video reminded me of 2 things
1. Never take life, people or things for granted. They may be here today ... and gone tomorrow.
2. Always remember that we are influential - that what we do means so much to others.
Together we continue to be a powerful influential force - helping to turn the tide - bringing hope, one life and family at a time. That is awesome! That is good news worth sharing - how we are changing lives together!
Can you help us share this good news by sharing this report / email with your friends and family? Let's spread some cheer and brighten everyone's day!
We need your help to provide more training and funds to deserving women. Your donation today of $25 or more will help make this happen. Please make your best donation now!
Can you help us empower other women like Isatu? A great way to do so is to create a fundraiser here on GlobalGiving. Through the fundraiser, you will help raise funds for more training. This is a fantastic way to invite your friends and family to join you in making a difference. You can start your fundraiser here - http://www.globalgiving.org/dy/v2/fundraiser-new/type today! Let us know if you have any questions or need our help setting this up.
Thanks so much for all you do!
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