Microkredite

A wide variety of small businesses emerged, such as chicken or pig breeding, bars, seamstresses who make new clothes from old clothes or chapati bakeries. The women developed a lot of imagination and were able to repay some of their loans, including (moderate) interest - sometimes several times.

In the meantime, there are binding rules, which are rounded off by an internal club insurance in the event of failures through no fault of their own. The women are very diligent and conscientious. Once a month, a meeting is held to pay the loan interest, repay loans, discuss problems and news, or discuss further loan originations. The women have decided to collect 50 cents each for reserves at the meetings, for example to support women in the group who are in difficulty.

In the future, the meetings are to be made more effectively through training courses conducted by selected specialists. For example, women want information on family planning, finances, agriculture, etc. We believe that the empowerment and education of women and mothers contribute to the successful improvement and independence of people in the southern hemisphere. They potentiate their know-how by passing on their knowledge to the children, families, and other villagers.

1st Women's Meeting at the Nkoni Meeting Centre

A highlight of this year's trip to Uganda was the meeting of the women's group. The 30 or so women enjoyed the short ride in a small bus. They are happy to now have a cozy, steady get-together.

It was financially possible to buy 20 plastic chairs, but there were no problems to sit on mats on the floor either.

The day before the feast, all the ingredients were bought and already at 8:00 o'clock in the morning the group arrived with cookware and cutlery, firewood, and good mood. A lot of household goods, camping utensils and much more were also contributed from "German stock".

Three fireplaces were built out of stones, wood was pushed in and lit, huge pots were put on them, e.g. for 20 kilos of rice – stirring with a garden shovel! - fried potatoes, boiled matoke (banana porridge) and peanut sauce.

Everyone helped together and so the chairman of the municipal council with several committee members and some neighbors could also be invited, all of whom enthusiastically and full of hope support the project.

After the princely meal (everyone was satisfied, see pictures) everyone stayed for the meeting. The "teacher" Edward, who supervises the group, explained the development of the women and their problems at length and sensitively: The very small loans (about 50 euros per person) only enable very, very slowly growing companies and a further financial support seems to make sense. After in-depth discussions and calculation on returns of invest, the chairmen of the Association agreed to the start of a small chicken farm and agreed to finance an initial 100 chicks, the rent for their accommodation for fattening and the feed. The women were very grateful for this and rolled up their sleeves in order to be able to top up the loan amounts with the profits. The Association and the teacher will accompany them and wish them every success in the first stage.

Further training is expressly desired, and the women are justifiably proud of their progress!

Talking, thankfulness, but also discussing the group's ideas for topping up the account: tent and chair rental or starting a chicken farm. Some people find it difficult to calculate! Together, we found a compromise – initially small, but feasible: 100 chicks sponsored by the Association, housed in two rooms of one member, including food and rent. Big applause. Contentment. Departure by bus. A successful day!

The day before the departure we met the solar electrician. Everything was discussed. We had the money with us. The installation can therefore be started on 26.08.2013.

A tour of the village of Nkoni rounded off the day. We saw a lot; it was also new for Betty. The village well needs to be repaired. It has been defective for about 1.5 years. Betty got in touch with Steven. The well builder of the diocese has already promised a site visit. Again, we need a sponsor for this.

As always, thank you so much for making this possible with your help!

Yours, Renate Blank