A day of learning
By Chris Snyder.
Today was an educational day. First a visit to Kachere then to several Savings and Loan/micro enterprise projects sponsored by Emmanuel
Kachere: It was wonderful to see Mary and Florence et al again. We were met by the women singing and dancing. These women all have Aids and have been on ARVS for some time. All would be dead without them. Several years ago we built a childcare/office/storage building. I am happy to report the building is in wonderful shape and well used. There were about 30 children there when we arrived. After several speeches the chief arrived and thanked us profusely for the work we did several years ago. He spoke about climate change and the lack of water this rainy season. Mary led us to their fish ponds and past their newly created cotton fields.They did not do well because of the winter rain. One of the women with us was bottle feeding a baby. This was unusual . The child was orphaned at 3 months and the women were looking after the child. Upon returning to the centre we gave them hats that Robbi Howlett had some women make, some mats brought by David and soccer balls, children’s toys, firisbees brought by Abby, Karen and Prince. David bought 7 avocado trees to plant at the school..Stephen Carr had suggested this in his talk last night. We also left with some napkins made on the sewing machine purchased by Maureen several years ago. It was great to see them making some money from this. We plan to return on Sunday to go out with them on their home based care visits. We also brought back with us 2 bicycles that had been bought by Jack Robertson to repair
On to Chilongga. and Kanjuli It was impressive to see the difference the water makes. The water combined with fertilizer gives them an extra crop of maize and tomatoes. The water is pumped by a treadle pump which works like a bicycle. The money from their saving is loaned to some women who buy seeds, plant, look after the crop and sell it. The loan is repaid and the women pocket the difference.
The same concept is used by the marketing group with whom we met. They plant and sell peas and chills. Chilies are a new crop initiated by Emmanuel. After 2 years they are making money. Most of the people in the first 2 groups are women
The fish farm is run mainly by men. It has been stocked with over 2000 fish. To date none have been harvested. The savings and loans programs have been very successful and is funded in the main by the local peoples own money. It underlines that with a small amount of money working with an organization who knows what they are doing it can make a huge difference.
These programs to date have impacted over 1000 people. Like ourselves the money earned is used for such things as housing and children’s education. 1 woman had made about $1000..this is in an area where the average income is less the $2/day We ate our boxed lunch on the steps of a building
WE returned to Annies via downtown witnessing a long lineup for gas. There has been a fuel shortage for sometime. It is hoped with the new Pres and devaluation this will end soon. In summary a great learn ing day and reinforcing that people here are working hard to improve their lot in life. WE are pleased to be a small part of it.
Great stuff Chris. Nice to see the Kuchere ladies again.
The trip seems to be going really well this time, hope you are all safe and sound.