Helping The Impoverished Create Businesses & Become Financially Independent
St. Louis, MO−From April 10-19, Microfinancing Partners in Africa will welcome four women from Africa who diligently work with the local nonprofit to transform the lives of those living in extreme poverty through income-driven initiatives. These four women, referred to as ‘Sandals on the Ground,’ can offer stories of strength, resilience, courage, and perseverance for compelling interviews or appearances. Contact Lea Brinson to schedule.
Who is Microfinancing Partners in Africa? Founded in 2006, it’s been part of the St. Louis nonprofit scene for nearly 20 years. The local team partners with grassroots organizations in the most desperate communities in six African countries to educate, train and fund microfinancing programs that offer women a proven path out of extreme poverty. The income-generating programs are open to all regardless of religion, race, tribe, or ethnicity.
“Microfinancing Partners in Africa gives us the ability to offer our people a hand up instead of giving them a handout,” says Sr. Mary Paul Wamatu, one of the women traveling to St. Louis in April. “With the handouts, they were dependent on us. A hand up helps them help themselves. They become independent, and they train their neighbors to be independent and they can support their children with the loans and their business projects.”
The Facts:
- One in three Africans live below the global poverty line of $2.15 USD/day. According to the World Bank, over 413 million people in Africa live in extreme poverty.
- Each MPA program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, the No. 1 goal being to eradicate poverty. Through microfinancing, this could be a reality worldwide in the next 20 years.
- MPA has served more than 50,000 people, provided 850 water filters, helped 1,540+ post-fistula women start an income project, gifted 1,900 cows as living loans, and given 390+ scholarships to students. 73% of loan program participants have reported increased savings.
Who Is Coming?
- Rachel Mkakulasi Ndyamukama: A mother of five who previously had to solely rely on her husband, her participation with the nonprofit started with a $20 loan. She grew her business exponentially and put all of her children through school. One of her sons became a doctor.
- Consolatha Kokuhilwa Emmanuel: A widow with seven children, she thrives in her role as peer educator to empower others to successfully exit poverty through the program like she did. She has her own business now, and her last child just graduated university.
- Mary Winifreda ‘Winnie’ Musisi: A mother, grandmother, speaker, and retired educator, Winnie leads a group in Uganda to ensure everyone in her community has the skills for a successful income-generating initiative.
- Sr. Mary Paul Wamatu: A strong advocate for community education, she champions the “first you must save” principle of microfinancing, which leads to the projects’ success.