2017 was a year of gifts, milestones, firsts, and so many joys. And as always, our main word at work was “partner.” I am thrilled to share these partnership highlights here in reflecting on the work of last year – there was a lot of good news!
PROJECT PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS
Masaka, Uganda: Microfinancing Partners in Africa has now partnered with 1,309 cow project farmers. In addition, 462 post-fistula women have joined us in the piglet living loan project. It has been exciting to see so many people transition from recipients to donors in their own right through these projects.
In 2017, we also piloted a new health initiative in Masaka, in partnership with CARITAS MADDO, Microfinancing Partners in Africa Board Member Dr. Sherry Teefey, regional health clinics and ultrasound manufacturer Mindray.. Called Safe Birth., this project uses screening technology, training, and moto-ambulances to identify and address high-risk situations for pregnant women. Before the pilot, these women would not have known that their best hope for survival was to get to the hospital for delivery. Now, Microfinancing Partners in Africa has already seen a 4X increase in prenatal visits to the pilot clinics and is beginning to witness how this initiative is saving lives.
Nairobi, Kenya: Microfinancing Partners in Africa remains instrumental in establishing and growing Jamii Bora’s Yawezekana SACCO Credit Union, now working with 12,117 heads of households providing small loans, business training and mentoring..
Bukoba, Tanzania: Our partner Bukoba Women’s Empowerment Association (BUWEA) is moving ahead with us on two exciting initiatives: a pay-it-forward model of Water With Blessings filters and the construction of a school for BUWEA women’s children.
East Africa: Across the region, we have been inspired by the small self-help groups mentored by CPS Partners in Kenya, Zanzibar, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania. The number of 15-25 person groups has grown from 11 to
28, and the average group savings
have almost doubled.
Looking back, 2017 was a great year for collaboration! To use just one of the local languages of the people who are our heroes, I can only say to our partners, near and far:
WEEBALE NGYOO, ASANTE SANA
— THANK YOU VERY MUCH (Swahili)
Heather Cammarata
Executive Director
________________________________________
View the full 2017 annual report