Project Report
| Sep 6, 2011
Teamwork Helps Microfinance Group Forge Ahead - We are a Part of This Team
By Sylvester Renner | Project Coordinator
Teamwork - group members preparing water for sale
Warm greetings:
We would like to share with you 2 specific points that are of note - as follows:
1. We are continually encouraged by the steady progress that our microfinance beneficiaries are making. Loan repayments are on schedule for the majority and the funds have introduced income stability and progress.
2. The Bo women's group of recipients are working together as a team - more than we have ever experienced before. Typically, the beneficiaries meet periodically to discuss progress - but the Bo group is a lot more cohesive. They existed as a group before funding and have continued to be self-supporting - chipping in and helping each other through cycles of labor need.
During my visit in May, I observed them at work together, as they helped fill packets of water. They also spend time regularly discussing progress, issues and challenges. This approach has helped them succeed in the midst of a "tight" economy. This is a key improvement opportunity that we are sharing with other beneficiaries. Team work does make a difference. As the saying goes - this group, united is standing strong.
Worldwide, we are all a part of this team as we have significantly contributed through our donations to their success. Their success is our success and we celebrate and thank you for your on-going support.
May 23, 2011
Success: Funds Enhanced Catherine's Business and Improved The Standard of Living of Her Family
By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
Catherine at her fish stall
Meet Catherine: Catherine is a hardworking mother of one child, who is now in the university. Apart from her only child Catherine also has other mouths to feed. She is responsible for the maintenance of her household.
Catherine is a fishmonger (smoked fish) and has been in this business for over 15 years. She gets her commodity from the fishing communities in the Bo environs. The sale of her business is slow and she makes a profit of about $36 per month, which is not sufficient to expand her business and take care of her home. Catherine needed microfinance funds to expand and diversify her business to maximise profit, which she can plough back into the business for sustainability as well as being able to take good care of her children.
Catherine is very grateful to Develop Africa and GlobalGiving for supporting her with microfinance to enhance her business and improve the standard of living of her family. Through providing micro-credit or micro finance funds, we are together improving the standard of living of families, one family at a time.
We would also be deeply grateful if you could consider signing up for a recurring donation of $10.00 or more monthly. This would be a tremendous support as we invest into the lives of these families in Africa. Thanks friends for your on-going support!
Dried fish anyone?
Catherine receives her microfinance funds
Jan 19, 2011
The Multiplier Effect at Work in Microfinance Training
By Sylvester Renner | Project Leader
Peter Receiving Funds at End of Training
Warm greetings
We are delighted to be able to share with you a video testimonial from Peter, one of the microfinance beneficiaries that has been impacted by the funds you have provided. Be sure to click on the link - Video Testimonial - Peter .
Peter explains in the video that because of the training and the growth of his business, he is now able to provide for himself and his family of 5 children. He says additionally: "Well its really helped me and because of that help I can now teach others on how to run a business." In other words, the impact of the training that you have helped provide, is being multiplied when he shares his knowledge with other people. During additional training sessions that we have held, Peter has shared his experience and valuable lessons learned with new beneficiaries. Thanks to you his business continue to grow and each cycle he qualifies for a new, larger loan.
Peter rounds up the video with the following words: "For Develop Africa, Globalgiving and other donor and partners, I do not even know how to begin to express my appreciation. We appreciate everything their goodness and all they do for us - because they do not know us and yet they have gone to so much trouble to help us. They have contributed greatly to our success. They help our children and family as well. I pray God blesses them and their families and continue to provide for them more and more in whatever they do."
Peter could not have sent it better and we echo his appreciation to you, our Globalgiving donors. We deeply appreciate your past and on-going support - as we plan towards a new session that will take place in February or March. Please take a few minutes to make a donation today that will help us impact many more lives. Thanks for your support - and please share this with your friends.
Cordially and best wishes
Peter and other microfinance beneficiaries
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