On September 27th, Linda Martinsen from Y Global Norway visited YPM to inspect several projects
undertaken by our organization. Y Global is an organization lying under the Norwegian YMCA-YWCA (KFUK-KFUM). They are one of YPM’s partner organizations, and have supported us with funds. As a representaive for Y Global, Linda had the chance to visit the villages of Mshangai and Kwedeghe, to see VICOBA groups and their progress.
SUCCESS STORIES
Many young people have failed to make business due to the lack of capital, but VICOBA has shown how
it facilitates easy access to capital and possibility to establish successful business. Many members have
started a business from loans that were found in their groups, and many of them have invested in
agriculture, poultry as well as small businesses.
In the villages Mshaghai and Kwedeghe, we met with three groups: Tumaini, Upendo, and Songa Mbele.
Members of these groups had taken loans, and most of them had set up businesses. Through these
businesses they can now run their families, as well as restoring the credit which were taken.
One member, Mr. Isack Baraza, had invested heavily in a major project of tomato farming. He took a loan of six
hundred thousand shillings, which made it possible for him to both start the project and construct his
own house. The tomato project has been very successful. Every week Baraza harvests twenty buckets of
tomatoes, and each of them sells for ten thousand shillings. That gives an income of 200 000 each week,
and at least 800 000 a month! With the tomato season lasting for four months, this is sure to bring good
income.
Linda learned a lot and saw how VICOBA can eliminate poverty. We hope she will take the new
experience with her when she travels home to Norway on the 29th of September.
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