The past few weeks have been busy ones in Moshi as we rolled out the fourth round of funding for our business project. It was the second time Pasua ward had received money. The businesses from the previous round have been very successful so we are very optimistic about the recent grants.
We spent two weeks visiting families affected by HIV or AIDS in their homes, completing a thorough audit of their lives. I felt very privileged being invited into homes and asking such personal and searching questions. It also produced some shocking facts. Among the thirteen families who we visited, all are surviving on about 700/= per person per day. That is considerably less than one US dollar.
Choosing just ten recipients seemed very harsh, as all the families were in need. But a simple scoring system made it very clear who should benefit this time and the other three families will be considered again in future rounds.
I next met the ladies on a Saturday morning in late November, which had been marked as our training day. The Community Volunteers (Emmanuel, Glory and Roster) and I had spent a lot of time preparing our training materials (not least translating them from English to Swahili!) and deciding who would deliver which parts. The training covers the basic elements of running a successful business, continually coming back to the simple concepts of capital, profit and use of profit to enhance both the business and the families’ lives.
I barely recognised our recipients. All were dressed
very smartly and clearly took the day very seriously.
They were focused, active and demonstrated a good
understanding of the concepts taught. And of course
Break during training.we were helped in our concentration by sodas, doughnuts and later, pilau and vegetables!
The day was long and tiring, but we felt very positive at the end. Relaxing on a rooftop terrace, nursing a well-earned beer as we looked out at Kilimanjaro in the sunset, Roster, Glory and I reflected how well we felt the training had been delivered and received.
Of course the true test of success is how the businesses operate. It is early days yet, but the signs are very positive. In just three weeks, many of the recipients have begun to save and are clearly working hard. We had a follow-up meeting and it felt like a different group. All were happy and confident. When we asked what the ladies felt had been the benefits of the grant, the most common answer was reduced stress and that they, and their families, are now eating three meals a day.
What has impressed me with the group is how seriously they have listened to advice and how hard they are working. They turn up early for sessions and are warm and welcoming to me, despite the language barrier. They have bonded well together and are forming a close support group for each other. The follow-up session was popular and we have agreed that this will be a monthly routine. It’s a great chance to share and solve each other problems – in business and in living with HIV.
I feel very lucky to have completed a round of funding, because now I can see so clearly the benefits of small business grants. The transformation in the ladies is incredible and their gratitude to Mondo Challenge and the volunteers is sincere. For me, it is
summed up by Marselina. On her assessment form I described her as constantly ‘drifting off’. Now she is the clear leader of the group – focused, confident and cheerful. That is the success of Mondo!
We spent two weeks visiting families affected by HIV or AIDS in their homes, completing a thorough audit of their lives. I felt very privileged being invited into homes and asking such personal and searching questions. It also produced some shocking facts. Among the thirteen families who we visited, all are surviving on about 700/= per person per day. That is considerably less than one US dollar.
Choosing just ten recipients seemed very harsh, as all the families were in need. But a simple scoring system made it very clear who should benefit this time and the other three families will be considered again in future rounds.
I next met the ladies on a Saturday morning in late November, which had been marked as our training day. The Community Volunteers (Emmanuel, Glory and Roster) and I had spent a lot of time preparing our training materials (not least translating them from English to Swahili!) and deciding who would deliver which parts. The training covers the basic elements of running a successful business, continually coming back to the simple concepts of capital, profit and use of profit to enhance both the business and the families’ lives.
I barely recognised our recipients. All were dressed
very smartly and clearly took the day very seriously.
They were focused, active and demonstrated a good
understanding of the concepts taught. And of course
Break during training.we were helped in our concentration by sodas, doughnuts and later, pilau and vegetables!
The day was long and tiring, but we felt very positive at the end. Relaxing on a rooftop terrace, nursing a well-earned beer as we looked out at Kilimanjaro in the sunset, Roster, Glory and I reflected how well we felt the training had been delivered and received.
Of course the true test of success is how the businesses operate. It is early days yet, but the signs are very positive. In just three weeks, many of the recipients have begun to save and are clearly working hard. We had a follow-up meeting and it felt like a different group. All were happy and confident. When we asked what the ladies felt had been the benefits of the grant, the most common answer was reduced stress and that they, and their families, are now eating three meals a day.
What has impressed me with the group is how seriously they have listened to advice and how hard they are working. They turn up early for sessions and are warm and welcoming to me, despite the language barrier. They have bonded well together and are forming a close support group for each other. The follow-up session was popular and we have agreed that this will be a monthly routine. It’s a great chance to share and solve each other problems – in business and in living with HIV.
I feel very lucky to have completed a round of funding, because now I can see so clearly the benefits of small business grants. The transformation in the ladies is incredible and their gratitude to Mondo Challenge and the volunteers is sincere. For me, it is
summed up by Marselina. On her assessment form I described her as constantly ‘drifting off’. Now she is the clear leader of the group – focused, confident and cheerful. That is the success of Mondo!
