Zidisha | Project Updates

Project Updates

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

Esther · Nakuru,kenland, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

I am at work baking cakes that have been ordered and preparing for delivery, here are some pictures of my work, I hope lenders will support me to reach my desired Goals in my business together with my husband. comment image

Geoffrey · Eldoret, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my Lenders and the Zidisha community for the loan.I was able to purchase the purchase local (Juakali)baking machine bigger than the one i have and the ingredients, baking flour,eggs,milk and sugar for the cakes also I reserved 600 us dollars for my wife 's college ,she will be doing diploma in comprehensive crockery starting on 13.04.2015 at St. Brendan Institute here in Eldoret Town,she is the key person in our family business since most of my time I spend in employment and more so she is the one with know how of cake and mandazi production.Am pleased that our my business is doing better rate production has increase due to bigger machine , i just thought of updating you, and above all i am so grateful for the support .I will be starting my repayments these week end God bless you.

Robert · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

With the loan i was given,i added a little amount of money that i had and started purchasing goods i.e rice from a wholesaler,repackage them into small affordable bags and sell them to neighbouring households.this has increased my profits and am therefore able to clear my loan and meet my other daily expenses.thankyou so much to my lender and the zidisha team for helping us.may the almighty bless you for the great job you are doing

Stephen · Malindi, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

Thank you all for the first loan. I managed to install my cyber cafe with internet from the money i got from the first loan. The internet installation in my cyber has increase my income from approximately 300/= shillings a day to 800/= shilling a day and number of customers. The increased income i have used it to buy another computer and the remaining balance i am using it to pay part of my sisters school fees.

Kevine · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

i am very thankful for the lenders. i have managed to meet the target of my customers and the profit i made on tuesday was used to pay the hospital bill for my beloved son who was very ill of anaemia, complication in breathing, thank in- advance to all zidisha team. regards wambura

Taylor Hanna · United States

Mar 26, 2015

Dear Lenders, I finally had the chance to meet Evans last weekend, about an hour outside of Accra. Evans works as a mason at a large construction company that is currently putting up a housing development just out of town. We met outside his work and caught a bus to his land. We check in with the owner of the land (Evans has put down half of the payment so far) and then set off. Prampram, the beach town where Evans lives, is quiet enough. But the village of Tsopoli is positively serene. As we walk through bushes and fields, I comment on the cool coastal air – a nice relief from Accra’s sticky heat. Evans says that’s one of the reasons he moved here from his hometown of Ashaiman, a small but important transport hub. “I wanted to feel the breeze of the land.” With his Zidisha loans, Evans has been able to put down half of the payment for his lot already. Once he purchases the land, he wants to start his own cement business. He chose this area because it is quiet and the surrounding land is family-owned (buying a plot even adjacent to government land can be a difficult process). But it is also well situated to take advantage of future development. That nearby housing project that Evans’s company is building? That’s meant to support the development of a much larger international airport. So it’s easy to see how an existing cement business could take advantage of this proximity. Evans is constantly learning. He spends his free time at the internet café, sharpening his computer skills and learning more about the internet. And he is planning to take construction classes soon to brush up on theory and supplement his practical knowledge. To relax, he enjoys listening to music – especially R&B and Country. “Country?” I asked somewhat skeptically, a Texan myself. He asks me if I know Kenny Rogers. Yep. That’s country. Evans is earnest and uncomplicated in the best of ways. His dream is to open his business, live quietly, and be a good husband and father. I know he is incredibly grateful for the support he has gotten from Zidisha in pursuing that dream. And he looks forward to continuing to work with lenders and build his business. Thank you, Taylor Ghana Country Ambassador Zidisha Pictured: Evans on his land and a tree that I particularly admired. comment image

Peter · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

My first zidisha loan assisted to buy four sheep, which I sold at a profit after rearing them for a period of 3 months. I used the money to pay for my accommodation in college and assisted my younger brother to raise his school fee

Danson · Gilgil, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

this far i have made it,i thank all those who participated in funding for my loan,i am very grateful since i could not have achieved this were it not for them,i have since opened a spare part selling section at my place of work and it its doing great ,i have since my profit grow to a margin i couldn't imagine,the increased earning have seen me finish paying the loan before time and hoping for a higher loan so that i can invest further into computer business,with this first profit i was able to clear all arrears in school fees for my daughter and opened up a small grocery store and doing great too comment image

Mercy · Aisaik Village, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

Thank you Zidisha family for the loan I got.It was Ksh9000.I have already put it in very good use.I have bought more stock of fruits and vegetables and my clients are more satisfied.Gone are the times that I would turn them back for lack of a certain product they would ask for. I also hired some lady to work with me.She is very cordial and welcoming.I spent KSH2000 for the same.This has helped me run the store very efficiently. I am so thankful for everything,I will keep spending it wisely and repaying in time as well. God bless.

Benjamin · Nairobi City, Kawangware., Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

May I take this chance to thank all my lenders, the money that I recieved I was able to Increase my stock of clothes for sale and this has also Increased my profit whereby I have been able to Increase my stock again and hope to get more profit. Thanks Zidisha for being there for us.

Patrick · Mombasa, Kenya

Mar 26, 2015

To my esteemed lenders, this is to let you know that the loan you advanced to me has boosted my business in a big way. I was able to increase my inventory which enabled me to reach more people in far and wide areas. I have now cleared it and I am applying for a second one which I believe will help me grow my business even further. Thank you for your precious support.

Juliana · Berekum, Ghana

Mar 25, 2015

The amount that i received was 335 ghana cedis . i was able to purchase photocopy papers,flash disks,color cartridge and lamination papers from the money i received. A very thanks goes to all lenders who are helping us

David · Makunga, Kenya

Mar 25, 2015

Hi lenders, Thank you for your spirited fight against poverty. I today increase my installment by kshs. 1000 toKshs. 2000. This is due to improved earnings in my business activities which includes video coverage and Editing, DVD & CD duplication among others.

Ruth · Gilgil, Kenya

Mar 25, 2015

Thanks to all my lenders, i have just completed paying my loan. the loan was so helpful to me in sustaining and expanding my business, i was able to increase the acreage of which i grow my vegetables for sale. i was also able to purchase two more daily cattle to boost my milk production which has become more popular among my customers. My the deep freezer is also doing me good by helping to preserve and freshening the milk to my customers satisfaction. all these would not have been possible without your generous lending hand. God bless and happy Easter.

Lydia · Buduta, Kenya

Mar 25, 2015

Dear wonderful lenders, I want to acknowledge that I have received the requested amount Kshs. 9039. I want to top up this amount with the little savings I have accumulated and the go for a photo printer of my choice. I will update you of my progress and if possible upload photos for you to see the fruits of your good work in me. Thanks a lot and God bless you. Thanks. Lydia Barasa.

Grace · Nakuru, Kenya

Mar 25, 2015

Dear Lenders Am very grateful for the loan offered. I received Ksh 8,300 and I used this loan to buy stock for my cloth selling business. The business have been fairing well and I have been able to repay my loan on time. Since the business is growing well am willing to take another loan to continue expanding my business. I hope you will consider my request. Thanks a lot.

Patrick Wambugu · Kiawaithanji,nyeri County, Kenya

Mar 25, 2015

Hi my lenders across the Globe.I have been faring well in my small farm and i have already harvested my red onions and sold them out to my customers yesterday.The produce was of good quality (first grade)which enabled most of my customers to rush for it .Since the sales was good compared to the previous one,i will be offsetting my loan as early as next week.Thank you my lenders for keeping me moving and also supporting my project.I love you all. Regards, Patrick Nderitu.

Taylor Hanna · United States

Mar 25, 2015

Dear Lenders, I returned to Kumasi last week, the busy capital of Ghana’s Ashanti region, where I had the chance to meet up with Elijah. We met near the KNUST campus and then walked to his home, a strip of several rooms hidden among coconut, papaya, plantain, and mango trees. “Are you hungry?” He asks. I’m not and I laugh at what I think is a joke. But he offers to knock down a coconut anyway, saying “I don’t even have to go anywhere to eat.” Elijah studied electrical engineering but struggled to find regular work after graduation, even with a degree. Youth unemployment in Ghana is high and regular rolling blackouts (referred to locally as ‘dumsor’) make his industry particularly unstable. After a year of struggling with irregular contract jobs, he decided to start buying and selling online to support himself through engineering work. Now Elijah uses online marketplaces to buy a variety of devices. At the moment, tablets are in especially high demand. He then resells products online, at friends’ shops, or directly to the individual buyer. A lot of his customers are not familiar or comfortable with online shopping themselves and are happy to have Elijah deal with the confusing part. He shows me some of his recent purchases: a tablet for his friend’s father and a pair of earrings for his neighbor. Zidisha has played a critical role in allowing Elijah the capital to buy his products upfront. While there is always a high demand from his customers, getting the money to actually purchase the items was difficult before Elijah came across Zidisha. Now he can use his loans to purchase requested items and restock more quickly. As he’s posted in the comments, he’s used loans to purchase tablets, power banks, mobile phones, and even a few small Bluetooth keyboards. When he’s not working, Elijah sings in his church choir and performs with an independent male quartet, the Revelation Singers. He also enjoys football, both on the field as midfielder and as a fan rooting for Ghana’s Black Stars and Manchester United. It was such a pleasure to meet Elijah in his little hideaway apartment (which you can see below) and I know he’s thankful for the support he’s gotten from his Zidisha lenders. Thank you, Taylor Ghana Country Ambassador Zidisha comment image

Lawrence · Mitunguu Market, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

In a weeks time I complete paying my loan. The loan came at the right time and I was able to service the orders I had with ease. This has put Sterling Learn Services in a better position . The earnings were ploughed back into business. This is why we adjusted our repayment amount upwards. I February my son joined High School after doing well in primary. Yesterday the rains started we are praying hard that wet enough. Here everything revolves on small scale farming. Good harvest means good business and the other way round. The children I teach are planning to visit Olpajeta Conservancy during the holiday for one day. It will be great fun to see the BIG FIVE in the jungle. comment image

Miriam · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

I would like to share with you about this needy children at the slums of kware in ongata ronkai Nairobi .After attending to my chicken i go to meet them everyday.they were not going because they lack school fees.

Joseph · Obuasi, Ghana

Mar 24, 2015

When I started this phone business, I never though of reaching the acme of profit but then unknowingly, I had a team of philanthropists here in zidisha community waiting to help me with their donations to boost the sales of this booming business in Ghana. I wish to express my profound heart-felt gratitude to all my able lenders and all that I can say is God richly bless you all to be able to assist me in my next loan application to make life more comfortable for me. BRAVO!!

Peter · Kandutura, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

I do appreciate very much for the first loan you gave me. The loan helped me a lot since I planted more crops in my greenhouse and I was able to control pests and diseases since some of the loan I bought pestcides. For real it changed my living style.

Adoma · Banda Nkwanta, B/a, Ghana

Mar 24, 2015

hello to my dear lenders.. i am so happy that finally i have been able to pay off all my loan. i really had a boost in my spices business as i worked with the loan you helped me with. my young heart this day is full of gratitude and appreciation for that great help you offered me with my first loan. i have save a bite and i invest part of the profit and then also my siblings and parents says thank you too since they all benifited from the fruit of you kind gesture. i really appreciate you help. it is therefore on this note that after all the lessons of having to work with a loan and remaining truthful to your lenders too that i have decided to humbly come back to you for further help and support but this time around with a higher amount than that of last two months. i am therefore humbly appealing to you for further help as you partner me to build my business and so also improve my life and that of my family. i want you to know that i will not just site down and call my situation unfortunate, but i am really ready to work harder this time even more. so kindly permit me if you will as i am asking for a higher amount this time around thank you very much for the previous help and thank you again in advance even for this one too......

Isaiah · Wanguru, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

I take this opportunity to thank all my lender who have put a simile on my face. I received the funds in the amount of 9130 KES ; I have bought ten mature cockerels which I will deliver tomorrow to one of the hotels I supply then buy more stock of chicks by this Saturday. Thank you once again.

Susan · Nyambari Lari, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

thankyu so much...my business is responding positively...Godbless YU all Zidisha team . comment image

Susan · Nyambari Lari, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

part of the stock I bought through ziidisha funding thankyu so much all my lenders...I was able even to mount a steel stand for best display of my shoe products outside my varandah kiosk. comment image

Richard · Elmina In Cape-coast, Ghana

Mar 24, 2015

i bought baking equipment with the loan i received and now i do produce in a quantity greater than before . And my profit base has increased by 12 % .The profit generated is reinvested into the business for further production. Fortunately my family and i can now afford 2 square meal. whenever there is public holiday, about two thirds of the population do go to any nearby poolside for enjoyment.

Justus · Kisii, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

I received ksh 4500 from zidisha that i added to my savings to buy a Toshiba Mini-Laptop ,and one month down the line i have managed to upgrade my writing . I am now able to pursue my writing passion because i am able to work on writing orders that i receive via my article writing accounts - iwriter and Zerys at any time of he day;unlike there before whereby i had to go the cyber to work form there. Thanks my lenders and zidisha for this program. comment image

Margaret · Mombasa, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

Amaranth A already in progress comment image

Mary · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

Am very happy with Zidisha Community my first loan I bought equipments for my pastry business and it made my business grow overwhelmingly that my fridge couldn't contain my stock any more so my second loan I bought a big fridge and even when I was struggling with my illness kind lenders from Zidisha like djkmoran and jan73 were always there to offer me morale support thank you zidisha you made my life better.

Adika · Kisumu, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

Thanks once more lenders as I have recruited two young men to help me do the leather products thus improving the man power. This has improved their living standards. These are the young men I have trained...

Adika · Kisumu, Kenya

Mar 24, 2015

Dear lenders, I have received my funded loan and thanks a lot for the work you are doing. I used $30 to buy a second hand singer sewing machine and the remaining $20 to buy raw materials. This gives me a sense of fulfillment and thus increase the manpower so that to serve my clients effectively.. This has increased my l profit by 6%. Attached is the sewing machine I bought... Thanks once more comment image

Faustina · Berekum Estate, Ghana

Mar 23, 2015

Dear lenders, I have received my funded loan and thanks a lot for the work you are doing. I used $36 to register three(3) old women and one(1) old man on national health insurance scheme which put them on a year free health delivey at a cost of $9 each. This gives me a sense of fulfillment. I used the remaining $56 for purchasing of fabrics for my work. This will increase my l profit by 5%.

Alex · Naari, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

helloo zidisha community i am gratefull for your suppport untill the far i have reached now, so far my business is doing good. Sales are to the optimum and i ma expecting things to run this way for the next 3 months. i have beeen sellling my electornics successfully and the reason for a boost in sales is due to the advertising channels i took to promote my products. i have also received a boost after manay freshmen in my college were refered to me and so i am able to adjust my loan repayment size now, thanks to you all guyz. i will be posting the pictures soon :)

Catherine · Berekum, Ghana

Mar 23, 2015

I am happy to let the lenders to know that i have been able to pay my first loan on time. the amount requested has helped me to stock my warehouse with more paints and nails. this has raised my profit margin than before. due to the variety of paints in my shop people come in all the time to buy a product. i can confidently say that i can now cater for my family by providing meal for them each day. thank you for your help

Jones · Kisooni- Mumbuni- Machakos, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

My m-pesa business is now picking. I thank all lenders for trusting and empowering me. comment image

Dartey · Berekum, Ghana

Mar 23, 2015

I requested for a loan of GHc 335 to expand my cashew processing business. thanks to lenders that i was granted the loan for my first time. with the amount involved i have been able to buy more raw materials (thus semi-processed cashew nuts). this has enabled me to increase my daily production than previously. My profit margin has eventually increased as well to about 30%. My cashew product is liked by many people in my area. I can also now sell some of my products to other people in some supermarkets at large. i have been able to employ two other people to my business which will help to reduce the rate of unemploment in my community. Now that i am able to buy more raw materials for processing i will need another loan to buy another gas oven which will help me to roast more cashew nuts. this can go a long way to create jobs for other youths in my community. i give all the credit to the lenders and i hope you will grant me another loan to expand my business.

Kennedy · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

We now have a chance to exploit al the dreams we've ever had.the extra unit is now fully functional and i have thought of rearranging the place to accomodate 2 more units.thanx lenders

Ruth · Kitale, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

Thanx my lenders.with profits i made i was able to pay a computer course for my younger brother who just did his national examination and is joining university since he did well.Am forever greatful.am almost through with payments and will give you full report soon.Thankyou.

Lilian · Eldoret-kapsoya, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

Hi Zidisha lenders! I was able to buy earings at wholesale price and made a huge profit. Bought each at 120/- and sold between 200/- and 300/-. The cost was 3600/- Was able to add more inventory and to date am going on well. My son just joined form one at Chebisaas Boys, it was tough but God saw us through the preparations of taking him to school. I spend part of my profit to shop for my son's necessities. He went to school happy and I was at peace. Thank you Zidisha lenders comment image

Ben · Bondo, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

Dear lenders I take these opportunity to thank you for your incredible kindness.The fridge I bought has really increased my sales due to improved quality of product and cleanness My sales increased by 25% and I am so greatful.

Margaret · Mombasa, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

I am so grateful to Zidisha family for the trust, confidence and support I have received from you. My current loan enabled me to buy the correct feed for my chicken. From the pics you can tell how healthy they are. Notwithstanding the efforts by Uncle Delmas (as fondly called by my sons), my farmhand, to ensure they are well fed. Right now a good number of them are laying eggs regularly and I look forward to having a boost in the coming months. 3 of the hens are brooding and in 2-3 weeks I will have my chicks. I also managed to buy amaranthus seeds together with the needed herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers. We planted round 1 and tomorrow section named Amaranth B will have its share of the planting. As for Amaranth A I expect the harvest in the next 2-3 weeks. Next week I will do Amaranth C and the week after Amaranth D. I expect to have a good harvest of the amaranthus every other week once the rotation takes speed. I intend to have 4 sections to start with as the major purpose of the farming project is the onion. So I am leaving the bigger portion of the land to onion farming. Pictures of the amaranthus are to follow. I am having a bit of a challenge uploading the photos.

Margaret · Mombasa, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

My chicken in their improved status and Delmas feeding them. comment image

Shadrack · Mtwapa, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

First I wish to thank my lenders. I purchased maize flour,20litres cooking oil,wheat flour,sugar & biscuits,carosene. Since that day i have had more customers in my kiosk,but wish I had more commodities because still customers ask for some items which are not in display. As you know that loan is minimal the impact in terms of daily income is small but it is worth it. it has kept my customers.because the most important items are available. I do recycle my income to increase my stock. Zidisha is the family word because to my family and friends it is a miracle to get a loan from m pesa more so without filling&signing a form from a bank counter. Mtwapa is a resort town, we are always on a holiday mood.Our economy is 24hr,however we have churches also during night&day. Pls bear with me I will post my photo next time. With regards shadrack.

· Surabaya, Indonesia

Mar 23, 2015

My students are in action with British English Speaker. They practice english directly with him. What a beatiful day ! comment image

Edith · Gilgil, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

Dear All, Thank you for your continued support, For my past loan managed to fully stock my small shop. I have gone further and purchased a more effective and reliable printing and photocopying machine. Am now able to deliver quality work on a timely manner which has made me earn a higher reputation and referrals from satisfied customers. Am also stocking more computer accessories than before. Thank you all my lenders. I couldn't have achieved this without your support.

Anton · Miritini, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

Purchase of the survey equipment has made my life better, this has kept me in a better position since at the moment am in able to hire the equipment as well save the amount I could have spent on hiring to render services.

Naomi · Mombasa, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

I got my first loan with zidisha toward the end of last year. This is the time that business picks up due to the onset of the festive season. I moved very fast and bought an inventory of mobile phone accessories such as memory, batteries and skins. I was able to sell them very fast and as evidenced by my loan repayment record, the cash flow has been very good. I now feel ready to venture into sale of mobile phones which is more lucrative than the accessories.

Elijah · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

WORKING IN MY BUSINESS Here I am weighing the rice using the Counter Scale. The jerry cans contain the cooking oil which I buy then resell to the customers in smaller affordable quantities. I am looking forward to increasing stock and grow this business. Thank you lenders for your great support comment image

Andrian · Butula, Kenya

Mar 23, 2015

Thank you so much Zidisha stakeholders for the support you gave unto to me. Agricultural sector is quit unpredictable but I always invest lots of time on studying the market and that seems to be working for me.With the foot pump the business is expected to do much better in future given I will no longer depend on rain fed agriculture. I salute I thank you all.

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