THE PROBLEM

Women in rural Africa remain largely excluded from the formal financial sectors of the economy. Their lack of collateral is the major hurdle. Their ability to borrow, earn, and contribute to their family’s income is severely limited by factors that go beyond culture. 

OUR SOLUTION

Give them access to capital. Our model supports mothers in our partner schools and ties them into our goals of alleviating poverty through education. Evidence bears out the fact that an earning mother will support her kids first and foremost. Our program which is a school-based system brings the educational support to the forefront. We enable that mother to be able to buy a pencil, a book, a uniform for her child. Our goals are aligned with the women’s goals – they want to keep their kids in school. We work to eliminate the factors that force kids to drop out of school. 

GOAL 

To monitor the attendance of the children whose parents receive loans in an effort to reverse school-drops, reduce absenteeism and increase enrollment in primary schools so that children can complete 7 years of primary education and achieve a basic level of literacy. 

OPERATIONS

Started in 2010, women form cooperatives of 20 women across the school community using the Women’s Microfinance Initiative (WMI) model of lending. Each woman receives loans of between $50 – $150 to start or expand a business.  Businesses range from small local shops selling home essentials and groceries, agriculture, selling used clothes and catering businesses are thriving. 

RESULTS

Less than 5% default rates.

Up to 2000 loans distributed to women

Financial literacy classes offered to all borrowers