Just in time to get them motivated for a new loan cycle, our leaders of the GWOCO women’s loan program were able to join Kim on a trip to Uganda last week.
Braving their first flight and numerous, long car rides, the women made their way to Buyobo, where the head organization of the Women’s Microfinance Initiative was holding a graduation for more than 500 loan program participants.
Not only was this an opportunity for our leaders to see more closely an ideally-functionaling model of the program, but they were also able to spend time and celebrate with the Ugandan women.
On the way to graduation, the group stopped for a couple of days at Musana, an community development organization run by Kim’s friend Leah and her sister Andrea.The two young women have expanded a small operation into a large, fully-functioning and community-led organization that includes schools for local children, a women’s microloan group, income generating projects, a newly established health center and more.
Our women were very interested in seeing Musana, and the visit was especially beneficial for Levina, who was able to gather ideas for the orphanage she is working on opening. All three of our leaders were glad to see another women’s-empowerment group and were very excited about the craft room at Musana, where they had an opportunity to tie-dye fabric and gather income-generating ideas.
Eliminata was especially grateful for this chance to travel and gain exposure to other African women who are growing and bettering their communities.
In Buyobo, despite chaotic preparations for graduation day and a language barrier between Josephine, Eliminata, Levina and the local women (English and native languages are spoken in Uganda), everyone was able to mingle.
As is often her role, Kim served as translator, with help from several Ugandan women who spoke Swahili.
The day of the ceremony there were many performances, as well as impromptu dancing among the Tanzanian and Ugandan women and even a few jump-roping attempts.
As our women plan their first graduation in July, this firsthand view was important for them to see how much enthusiastic energy such an event can generate for loan-program participants and gave them an idea of how they can celebrate their own borrowers.
