Workforce Empowerment in Sierra Leone

Dear friends and supporters

We are delighted to share with you a video from Olivette, a very grateful beneficiary. Olivette went through the business training course and received a microfinance loan that you helped provide.  In this video she says a big thank you to YOU. 

She tells us that through the support we have provided, we have done a lot in the lives of her family members.  On behalf of a group of beneficiaries, she states that support provided has made a lot of difference in the lives of the families of the beneficiaries and their individual lives.

Watch the video

Olivette explains that she has been blessed tremendously.  She has 4 kids and wasn’t working.  Things were really bad and she was in school.  Through the support we provided in the form of scholarships and microfinance loans, she has been able to run a small business and buy the needed things for her kids and raise her family.

She says through the video: “I only want to say thank you to them and to let them know that whatever they’re giving it’s not going in vain, we appreciate it, and we are blessed.  The lives of our children have been transformed. It has made a lot of difference.”  Wow!  What a testimony of the impact that YOU have made.  You make this happen.

It's heart-warming to hear of the transforming impact of YOUR donations.  It is great to know that what we are doing is fruitful and strengthening lives.

She concludes by saying: “thanks to all the people who made it possible for us to lift up our heads and walk proudly.  May God bless you. May God bless all of you that are doing these things for us."

Are you looking for a way bring a smile to the face of a special woman in your life?

Starting now through May 13, GlobalGiving is giving away $5 for every donation made as a gift (using a GlobalGiving tribute card). And to make this even better,  they’re offering two $1,000 bonus awards: 1 for the most money raised and another for the most donors. 

Please share this wonderful campaign with your family and friends!

You can help Develop Africa provide more microfinance loans with a special gift today.   Thanks for helping make a difference!

YOU are the reason we are all so grateful!

Links:

• Olivette's video

What's the evidence of success - in terms of changing lives? I submit 2 criteria for your consideration:

1.  To be able to hear this directly from the beneficiary himself or herself.  This means that the beneficiary has done a self-assessment and is able to experience and express the impact, change and transition.

2.  To be able to see / hear of the on-going impact, after a year or two. In other words, to be able to see that the change is lasting and not just a flash in the pan / temporary fix.

This is the sum of Jariatu's video testimony where she explains that that through the funds that she has received, she runs a cookery business (a small local restaurant selling rice and local dishes). Through the proceeds of this business, she is able to pay school fess for her children and take care of other household needs.  She has been doing this for 2 years now and has no debt.

Change is not change until it is verifiable and permanent change.

Thank you for being a part of Jariatu's story, for helping to effect verifiable, lasting change. This is what changing lives is all about and we are so grateful for your support that made this possible.  With Jariatu, we says a big "thank you" to you - the GlobalGiving donors - that helped to provide the funds for her business.

Taking Our impact to The Next Level: In the video Jariatu expresses a desire for additional funds to enable her to buy the supplies she needs wholesale (rice and oil).  Can you join us and help make this happen for her? We are hoping to provide new loans to many more small business owners in early 2013 - and your donation of $30 a month will help us do that.  Your support is needed and important because it will help provide a life-line of independence to many families.  Knowing that we can count on your $30 or more each month will provide ongoing progress - helping us to provide for the entire community.  Your recurring donations will be a predictable stream of income, making it easier for us to plan financially.

Right now is a great time to sign up for a recurring donation as during the month of December, GlobalGiving is offering a 100% match on all initial recurring donations up to $100 per donor.  Your recurring donation could also help us win a $500 bonus award!  You have to sign up now in order for your donation to count during this campaign. Thanks for your support!

Sign up now - start your recurring donation - helping to provide many more loans!

Links:

• "My Small Business Helps Me Take Care of My Family"