Zidisha | Project Updates

Project Updates

The latest updates from projects made possible by our global community.

Patrick · Nairobi Umoja Estate, Kenya

Jan 15, 2015

Dear lenders, I have completed repaying my third loan and like the previous two, it has impacted positively on my transport business. I managed to overhaul the engine of one of my taxi vehicle which made it possible to operate the vehicle smoothly. This increased my income drastically and this has had a positive effect on my family where we can now afford a better life and a secure future. I hope the next loan will take my business to the next level.

Xavier · Nairobi Buruburu Estate, Kenya

Jan 15, 2015

Greetings All, Hoping that you are having a great start to the new year and that the holidays were filled with happy times. Finally things have calmed down since children have now reported back to school. It was a busy time with the holidays and back to school sales. Over the holidays Christmas decorations and toys were on high demand and during opening of schools recently mostly bags and stationery were best sellers. I'm quite glad to report that sales were good and thanks to the items I introduced to the shop with the help of my last loan I managed to treat my family to a Christmas weekend holiday and have some money saved to replace the stock. I am planning to order for more toys as most were sold out over the holidays. I have included a few pictures of some of the decorations i was selling and also some toys that were fast moving in terms of sales. All this was made possible with your help and once again my family and I are very grateful to the Zidisha family for its continued support. Wishing you all a blessed 2015.

Beatrice · Busia County, Kenya

Jan 15, 2015

this is my daughter's picture before the operation, i shall post the picture also after the operation.

Peter Gray · United States

Jan 15, 2015

Dear Lenders, I’m Peter, an intern with Zidisha currently working in Indonesia. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Rachmat Adim, a Zidisha borrower and Volunteer Mentor in Surabaya, East Java. Apart from his main job in construction, Adim helps his mother sell food and household goods at their local traditional Javanese Market. Adim’s family has managed a shop in the market for over 20 years, and over time they’ve expanded to occupy three full stalls. They sell a wide variety of goods: from rice to eggs to charcoal. Adim’s family shop sees a lot of foot traffic due to its location along a shaded pathway at the entrance of the market, and there are always people relaxing and chatting nearby. Directly next to their shop is a vendor who sells freshly cooked gorengan, or fried snacks. When I visited the market, Adim’s mother welcomed me with a cup full of tea and a plate of traditional Javanese sweets. It was a really homely environment, with plenty of laughing and colorful conversations in Javanese. Loans from Zidisha have helped Adim increase his stock and keep his family business stable during drops in revenue (for example, occasionally a customer might buy goods on credit and never repay). They have also helped him expand his stock and stay ahead of sales opportunities. Adim was able to get credit in the past, but the interest rates on those loans were much higher than with Zidisha. Because most of his profits were being used to pay fees and interest on these loans, money was very tight and he often missed sales opportunities because he couldn't restock quickly enough when merchandise sold out. Because of Zidisha's lower interest rates, Adim is now able to stay on top of business opportunities and keep his shop fully stocked - creating a higher, more steady income for him and his family. It was Adim's positive experience with Zidisha loans that inspired him to become a Volunteer Mentor and to invite his fellow merchants to join. By recruiting responsible members, Adim has steadily increased his borrowing limit. Adim is a great asset to Zidisha in Indonesia, and to his fellow borrowers. Now that he is the proud father of a two-month-old boy, Adim is looking forward to expanding his enterprise and using his higher savings to support his wife and son. Below are some pictures of Adim's shop and the traditional market it's located in:

James · Ndenderu, Kenya

Jan 15, 2015

Hello Lenders, apologies for not updating you on my progress. I was on my annual leave from my regular job, and i took advantage to go and work on my chicken project. I managed to add 25 chicken, 3 months old. Am expecting to add another 25 soon. here are the photos. comment image

Taylor Hanna · United States

Jan 15, 2015

Dear Lenders, I had the pleasure of meeting with Michael yesterday and after a lengthy misunderstanding with a trotro conductor, I eventually made it to take a look around NAKWES Group’s office in Legon, Accra, near the University of Accra campus. Six months ago, Michael and four of his friends were all working separately for IT and ICT companies when they got together and decided to address two issues affecting Accra: 1. Ghana has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world – 25.6% in 2012 - compared to a global average of 12.6% . 2. There was no laptop and electronic repair service near the University of Ghana, requiring students to make a time-consuming and costly trip to the inner city to service their computers. Michael is an entrepreneur at his core – as early as grade school he could recognize and capitalize on a market demand. So it’s no surprise that he found himself and his friends starting up their own company in response to the problems faced by their community. And so, NAKWES (their name from the first letter of each founder’s surname) was born. NAKWES offers laptop and mobile phone repair as well as IT training and media classes that aim to help graduating secondary students pass their tertiary exams. They also recently started their NAKWES College branch, offering a three-month program of media and computer courses for adults. The College will be graduating its first class of 25 students this month. Michael’s use of Zidisha loans has been helpful in allowing for the purchase of laptop accessories and tools, but he is really excited to continue borrowing and increase his credit limit. NAKWES is looking into the business of importing laptops for resale in order to support their growing education initiatives and hopes Zidisha will be a key factor in making this happen. Again, I’m so grateful that Michael and the NAKWES team took time out of their busy work day to show me around. The business is promising, especially for one just six months old, and I’m very excited to seeing how the company grows. The team appreciates the support of you, Zidisha lenders, and looks forward to continuing this relationship! Taylor Ghana Country Ambassador Zidisha PHOTOS: 1. Obed, Michael, and myself. 2. NAKWES Group cofounder Obed and a busy workstation 3. Michael in front of the office

Lawrence · Kaloleni, Kenya

Jan 15, 2015

hi, First i would like to pass my appreciations and thanksgiving for the immense help you gave me,I managed to make a big difference n make a change in my business. I was able to expand and employee a few staff hence creating a job for the society. Even though i delayed in some points to pay the loan,I was trying to expand the business in which I faced a financial stalemate n there for I had to clear my loan first then I apply for the next loan. The loan has really helped me,am able to fulfill my personal needs and also the business operational cost. I really would be happy and advantaged if you would please give me another boast. yours sincellary lawrence mbaru comment image

Daniel · Umoja, Kenya

Jan 15, 2015

i take this chance to thank the lenders so much for the loan they gave me which i have fully paid .the loan was a blessing to my business of mpesa and phone accessories.i made a hug profit of almost 40% of the loan amount and the business is now growing and a good rate .Our customers and now happy with our new products and good variety of phones .i believe with my second loan i will be bale to get more profits and with good news of my baby yet to be born in two months,the family is growing and so the business is also growing .Thank you so much and be blessed.

Lelister · Fawoade, Ghana

Jan 14, 2015

new inventory and it was all possible by Zidisha, Thanks a lot......... comment image

Jamal · Mamponteng, Ghana

Jan 14, 2015

new four wheel drive engine thanks to Zidasha comment image

Linet · Mariwa, Kenya

Jan 14, 2015

This was during a price giving day comment image

Linet · Mariwa, Kenya

Jan 14, 2015

A day out with the children comment image

Charles · Nairobi, Kenya

Jan 14, 2015

Hey there!....Thanks to my lenders. I completed my preliminary tea survey research. It lasted one month. I am waiting for the main project. But a dynamic young one does not sit and wait for the next task! Planning ahead is the phrase. During the Christmas holidays, I spent some time on the farm in my rural village in Western Kenya. I went to check there a project we initiated on tree planting in 2008 under Green Kenya Organization. I even invited a journalist who writes for a famous Saturday magazine called 'seeds of Gold' in the Daily Nation newspaper in Kenya. Her name is Evelyne Okewo. She covered a tree planting project. the title was "Why not grow your money on trees"The story did not explain as we wished, about our "RETIRE NA MITI PLAN" by Green Kenya Organization. It is a simple concept. After some survey of Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley regions, we noticed that some Kenyans can be very busy and they may not have time to till their lands. Some even travel outside the country while others live in cities leaving vast land fallow. To them we are proposing a very promising venture: high-value tree farming without the hassle of getting involved. That means your farm makes money for you as you continue your normal business and job. Here is how it works. We researched on very high-value trees and together with our agroforestry experts, we have identified different species for different ecological zones in Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley. So how does the plan work? Through Green Kenya Organization, we have a team that tills the land, then we have the special tree seedlings for specific zones. Please note that not any of the seedlings is to be planted. This is where a farmer needs technical guidance for maximum results. After planting, we get the farmer someone to guard the farm (if he wants) for at least one year, while ensuring that weeding is done at least twice in a year. Fertilizer application (at right ratios) is also done. All this at very affordable cost but the value is great. On average, on only 0.25 acres one can raise between 300-500 trees. Let's take the lower side. For 300 trees we guarantee to buy from you at Ksh. 2,000 each once they mature. So on 0.25 acres you can make between Ksh. 600,000 to Ksh. 1,000,000 at an investment of about Ksh. 50,000 in 5-7 years. That means on an acre one can make Ksh. 2.4M-4M at an investment of about Ksh. 200,000 in 5-7 years. The original newspaper link is here: http://www.nation.co.ke/business/seedsofgold/Why-not-grow-your-money-on-trees/-/2301238/2583948/-/1bbag8z/-/index.html

Aan · Teluk Kuantan, Indonesia

Jan 14, 2015

selamat malam para Pendana dan team Zidisha... Batu Batako ini nantinya akan saya pergunakan untuk membangun konter saya menjadi lebih besar dan permanen... tinggal menunggu proses pembangunan saja, semua material sudah terkumpul... comment image

Norris · Nairobi, Kenya

Jan 14, 2015

Hi, i managed to collect the boots today, they look great and am hopeful they will add real value to my firm by having decent dressed guards. Thanks to all the lenders. comment image

Ndungu · Kisauni, Kenya

Jan 14, 2015

Dear lenders, I am so very grateful for the support you gave me when I asked for a loan from you. With the facility, I was able to set up a cyber cafe which has brought in income and also helped the local community a great deal. I started a computer college with the proceeds from the business and I recently clinched a deal with a local company where I am supposed to train their staff members. I need better machines for the training to be done to their specifications. For this reason and using my savings, I have decided to accelerate the payments so that I can apply for another loan soon to enable me buy better computer which can support the latest software in the market.

Kennedy · Mbita, Kenya, Kenya

Jan 14, 2015

Great! This is a blessed day indeed! I have received my first loan with Zidisha, I am happy, and the kids at our school will get 3 new desks to be used at the classroom. I am happy to be part of this great team.

Jane Mwihaki · Frere Town, Kenya

Jan 14, 2015

I have received my loan and I am grateful. I will be buying a anew , bigger and better blender and I will keep you poster on how it has affected my business.

Paul · Engoshura, Kenya

Jan 14, 2015

Dear lenders, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for the faith you have in me. My loan was funded in a record 48 hours and now I have the funds to construct the cow shed. May the lord bless you abundantly.

Peter · Thika, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

The loan was quite a success to my business,I managed to acquire a business permit and health certificate with the loan acquired.This has created customer confidence on the quality of our eggs and also less interruption from the government officials.The calmness at mtwapa has also increased orders to the improvement in security.The business is now capable of supplying 600trays a week equivalent to about $2133 and a profit of $133 is also being made.This is why i was able to meet my loan with the shortest possible time.

Maurice · Kahawa, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Dear lenders I thank you for the loan as it enabled me to improve my business and I was able to train more users about online business hence empowering the society I live in. Thank you once again and I will be glad if you fund my future loans. Best regards

James · Berekum, Ghana

Jan 13, 2015

Book business comment image

Antony · Nairobi Umoja Estate, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Hello Zidisha lenders. I was just thinking about several NGOs in my country who receives donour funding from over the world and the impact of the funding on the ground were they work. For sure, I beleave no one in this world is in need of donations or grants but what we need is just surport ( expeciarly) sources of cheap loans to fulfill our dreams. I salute you lenders for noting that if you lend at low interest rate you ate opening the world of small enterprise to a bigger number than when you donate the funding. Am sure we will produce real entrepreneurs in Zidisha community than from donor funded projects. At this point, I wish to thank all Zidisha technical team who works around the clock to see that fundings, instalments,profiles, comments and the main website is fully updated. You are doing smart to us and only our great father can pay you back. I wish you all success in whatever you do.

Ndunda · Kavunyu Village, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

I didn't believe it when i got a message from zidisha saying have been funded and as we speak now have bought the tyres and are being fixed. Guys believe zidisha is real and is changing lives. What a great idea for the poor. Let's spread the word and make many more trustworthy clients join.blessed be to all the guys who came up with the idea and also the guys who fund the organization. Aim higher

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

My own photo used in an ad of mine i give to high school kids.We are allowed to go to boarding schools on Saturdays and take photos of the kids.They usually pay 20kshs per kid i.e 25 U.S cents per photo. This is common occurence in almost every high school in Kenya where photo men show up at the gates on the kids "free time" on weekends. comment image

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Thank you Matt,i have tried the effect with gimp step by step.Still trying to get used to it but loving it.

Priscilla · Bungoma Town, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

I want to buy this donkey and its cart and improve the cart and even give the donkey a better treatment. comment image

Priscilla · Bungoma Town, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Cassava i plant,weed and sell. comment image

Priscilla · Bungoma Town, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

The maize we buy from farmers.It is dried in the open and we place it in the store to transport to town for retail sale. comment image

Christabel · Mateka Village, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Help me to sew more dresses like these comment image

Benni · Stuttgart, Germany

Jan 13, 2015

Dear Kpelle, in the country where I come from, school and university are for free. Because you should have the same possibilities as I have, it was self-evident to help you out with some money for your education. It's just a little wind under your wings. Thanks for this nice comment you posted. All the best! Benjamin

Kpelle Guba · Hohoe, Ghana

Jan 13, 2015

Dear distinguished Zidisha lenders, I was more than pleased to wake a morning after my loan application was accepted to see it fully funded. And I know all this would not be possible without you guys. I am highly indebted to you. I would do my best to pay back as soon as possible so I can gain your help should I apply for a new loan. Thanks to you guys I can purchase all the books and a few of the items I need for this semester. Thank you soo much and I appreciate it. God Bless You.

Betty · Malindi, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Hi Lenders, Thank you very much for your support and funding my loan. The loan was of great assistance to my business and also some friends have taken the initiative to apply for their own loans under the Zidisha program. Firstly, I was able to meet the special orders that some of my clients had requested. In addition, I added new stock of African bags collection and the sold all of them. African bags go well with African jewelry so the next strategy was to purchase this jewelry that I also sold on my Facebook page. This loan came at the right time because after I made a profit, I went to Maasai Mara for a few days during the December holidays. It was fun and this was possible because of your assistance. Thank you very much for making a difference in my life.

Francis · Kisumu, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Thank you zidisha. I now have 27 chicken from money lent plus my savings. comment image

Leah · Ngong Town, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Thank you so much, I received the funds yesterday night and I was excited!!! I am going to purchase the Jiko(traditional cooker that uses saw dust and firewood) today and I will post the photos by tomorrow. I plan to re-start the potato crisps making by Thursday morning! Thank you once again; I can already see things will change for me and my family starting today.....!!!

Jushua · Ingineeer Town, Kinangop, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Dear London Elscott, first i would like to thank you for for your concern on how am going to manage to deliver LPG to my customers without charging them transport. 1, i have already done my research on fuel consumption and motor bike spare parts. eg, for a day a 150cc motor bike can consume a 1 liter of petrol to cover more than 50kms and and a liter of petrol currently here in kenya cost for about 1.5 us dollars, that means my customers for a day i can only cover less than 10kms to supply 15 customers in a day with LPG ,And one LPG of 13 kgs gives me a profit of not less than 3 dollars. and also i will hire a rider who will be giving me at least 2 dollars a day through using it to transport people from point A to B. THANK AGAIN

Leonard · Nakuru, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

First i would like to appologise for delaying on my first loan instalment due to financial constraints am having at the moment.i have planted my potatoes my and am now moulding them,they are growing very well.its only last week that i sprayed them to protect them from bacterial wilt which can hinder the growth of potatoes in my area.i promise as soon as i get back in my good financial ways to finish the loan on time and appy for a new one since it has been of great help to me.thank you very much zidisha.

Kipkoech · Kapsoit, Kenya

Jan 12, 2015

this is amazing website i urge you all Zidisha members to continue support the Zidisha so that they continue with the same spirit to lend us more funds for expansion of our businesses. this new printer i bought from my first loan i received from Zidisha comment image

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Jan 12, 2015

Well here its a big part of life and you dont easily get invitations.You simply show up with a camera and a printer like i prefer to do in future and just start snapping away,then as soon as the funeral is done the attendants will usually come by a board on which i hang the photos and pick and pay as they please.Mind you African funerals are not by invitation even for the attendees, every funeral is usually not less than 1000 people attending, including neighbors.Its kind of considered a bad omen not to attend a neighbors funeral!!!!! And a funeral takes about a week with different festivities.

Jushua · Ingineeer Town, Kinangop, Kenya

Jan 12, 2015

Dear lenders and the entire zidisha team, this i kindly to let you know that i had repaid the money borrowed from you in full as i promised on time. 1,Indeed the LOAN has been a milestone to me and my entire family since my son is going to school very well without being sent home due to luck of school fees. Another thing is that my LPG Gas business is doing very very and i have won many hearts of my customers due to the services i offer for free home delivery. 2,Weighing the gas before i deliver to ensure that that the gas is enough. That has made me popular in town due to the unique services i offer against my competitors. the only challenge am facing right now is that i use a BICYCLE to transport LPG Gases to my customers of which it is taking me a long time to go and come back since am the only one operating the shop when i come back due to delays i usually get my customers waiting for me of which is not good i might end up loosing some of them. the only way i think it will help me is by using the motor cycle to deliver Gases because it so efficiency and time saving. Thank you hoping you will consider me to overcome this barrier in my business.

Samuel · Nairobi, Kenya

Jan 12, 2015

Thank you so much Lenders , zidisha community in large and God the most High, am so grateful to have joined zidisha. From the time i started buying drips to digging of borehole and buying a submersible water pump now i can say i have grown my business to heights that i thought i will never reach. Without you i wouldn't have reached this far. Now i simply water my strawberries by switching on a power button.

Dora · Kariani,muthambi Location, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

May I take this opportunity to say a big thank you to my lovely lenders for entrusting me with their hard earned cash. Thank you all for giving me the golden opportunity and helping me realize that my kitchen garden can turn lives from around. I have enjoyed my loan thanks to my garden that i has turned me to a supplier of vegetables. I have also upgraded my former chicken house by adding some concrete to the floor from the extra earnings from the garden.Despite my tomatoes going bad last time ,i have not given up more tomatoes were transplanted and good luck is on my side they are flowering and hoping to harvest more than 500kgs by mid February. Thank you so much i wish we were neighbors i would deliver a big indigenous cockerel to you as my appreciation. Thank you. comment image

Bernard · Siwot Village, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

Thank you for the third loan which I have just cleared. Many of my ewes are pregnant and by March this year, I am expecting more than 14 lambs. I look forward for more funding to allow me expand the project. My appreciations go to all my previous and future lenders. God bless you all. Below are photographs of the sheep I took today at my farm. comment image

James · Ruiru Hilton Centre House No 5 Kenya, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

This is The precious product i bought from the second loan that zidisha offered unto me. comment image

Feri · Purbalingga Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Jan 11, 2015

ini hasil dana yang di pinjamkan dari zidisha untuk kemajuan usaha saya. comment image

Antony · Nairobi Umoja Estate, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

Hello all zindisha borrowers. I hope you are having a smart Sunday. How many of us ever went through the founding story of zidisha. If you haven't, i wish to reffer you back this story. Julia Kurnia may Almighty father bless you more. You have unlocked so many dreams which without you couldn't have been unlocked forever. .

Anne Wambui · Mawanga Centre, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

To all my worthy lenders,I say THANK YOU for entrusting your hard earned money for boosting my business.I am certain that through your kind demonstration in funding me,my salon will acquire the new drier machine and i will add more stock in the cosmetic section.Thank you to you all and God bless you all.Have a super and lovely Sunday

David · Mombasa, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

I made good sales last few weeks due to the just ended festive season. Cash from the sales has started to come in and I am now capable of repaying KES 1000 per week. I take this opportunity to thank all my lenders for making this happen. I believe I have found a reliable partner in Zidisha. God bless you all.