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LATEST NEWS

 

"Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. Give a woman microcredit, she, her husband, her children

and her extended family will eat for a lifetime." - Bono

 

Mkombozi enables women to improve their standard of living and provide healthier conditions for their families. Members have used their Mkombozi loans for:  

 

  • School fees and uniforms, which are required for their children to attend elementary and secondary school;

  • Farming tools and equipment, seeds and animals;

  • A refrigerator to store cow’s milk, meaning the mamas can preserve the milk instead of having to sell it the same day;

  • And even an upgraded home, with electricity!

 

Mkombozi provides much more than access to capital for these mamas. It provides them with inspiration, ideas and support. It's a forum for the mamas to discuss problems, discover solutions and determine next steps for their businesses. What's particularly impressive is Mkombozi's micro-loan cooperative was established entirely independent of a commercial lending institution. Members of Mkombozi gathered resources within their own membership to create the initial capital for lending.

 

 

2014-2015 UPDATE

 

The group is growing and now is actively participating in two important projects:

 

1.  Sun-Dried Produce

The members assumed a loan from Mkombozi to purchase a commercial dryer from the Kilimanjaro Natural Food Cooperative. Their investment includes training classes, as well as critical certification from the cooperative. Once the final steps have been checked off, Mkombozi will begin supplying the Moshi-based business with sun-dried fruits such as bananas and mangoes. Check back in a month or two and we'll update you on the locations where KNFC products are available to purchase.

 

2.  Aprons

Mkombozi is undertaking a sewing project. The mamas were asked to produce about 40 aprons from local fabrics made in Tanzania. The patterns and colors are very attractive and, when assembled, produce a very useful and attractive carrier. Each mama has a role in the production, and because the members work cooperatively, 40 beautiful aprons were completed on time. The mama's attention to quality paid off. A local art gallery owner saw their work and purchased 100 aprons to be sold in the Blue Zebra, an upscale shop with two location in Moshi. We hope to make the aprons available to purchase online in the US. More details to come.

 

The mamas would benefit from a second sewing machine. If you think you might be able to help, please email us at info.MkomboziWomen@gmail.com. Asante sana.

 

Last updated: Dec. 28, 2014

 

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