Zidisha | Project Updates

Project Updates

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

Yunita · Kabupaten Bantaeng,sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia

Feb 21, 2015

Hi. Funders and zidhisa, I am glad to have joined this community, hopefully with these loans can provide the first experience for me as only parents who always help complete goods in stores and pay for my education, I hope I do not end semerter longer burden the old because I want to focus my efforts at home. Me and my sister comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 21, 2015

My name is Kerry and I am a Client Relationship Intern for Zidisha in Nairobi, Kenya. Yesterday I had the opportunity of meeting Jannet Kanini in Ongata Rongai, a neighborhood of Nairobi. Jannet owns a store that sells all sorts of clothing items as well as fruit. Her ultimate goal is to have a store with so much inventory, there's no need to go anywhere else. Immediately upon meeting her, you can tell she is a clever and well respected woman in the community. When I first arrived, she was meeting with friends and neighbors to offer them advice. Jannet began her business in March of 2012 when she received her first loan from Zidisha to increase the inventory of her store. She began with ladies undergarments and has expanded into almost everything else. Before opening her business, Jannet worked at Beacon, a center for those suffering from HIV in the neighborhood. She told me that she chose to quit the center to start the business because she felt a need to explore and think outside the box, which was too difficult to do after 8 hours a day at her job. Jannet and I easily fell into a convesration of local foods, music, and customs. A lady came by to sell her a Mukimo, which looks like a green tamale, but in fact is a type of puree with potato, corn and local greens. She bought one and offered me one. When I told her I was in the mood for Chapati, a type of pancake that they eat here with stew, she ran out to ask the hotel nearby if they had some. We sat and ate our lunches together, and when I asked what she did in her spare time, she told me she sang for her church choir, where her husband is the pastor. I was fortunate enough that she sang for me, first in English and then Swahili. What a beautiful voice! Jannet says that her other ambition is to create a CD, which is currently in the works. I told her I would be the first to buy one. We sat for a while longer like that exchanging stories, talking about her children (she has two) who when they were younger, Jannet used to take them to the Nairobi National Park. She said it was a day to have a picnic, relax, and answer the questions of small children. Well, Jannet I think you are a woman with most of the answers. comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 21, 2015

My name is Kerry and I am a Client Relationship Intern in Nairobi, Kenya. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Jane Wamuyu in Ongata Rongai at her clothing store and salon about 20 kilometers from Nairobi Central. Jane has been a member for Zidisha for three years now. WIth loans from Zidisha lenders she purchased the shop in 2012, and uses loans now to stock the store's inventory. Jane has also employed a friend of her's, Nancy, who helps with washing and styling hair. When I met Jane, Nancy was also there and we sat down to talk about the store and their lives here in Nairobi. Jane came to Nairobi in 2004 with her husband from Nyeri, a city in northern Kenya. Her husband sells building materials and also borrows from Zidisha. While he was working, she decided she wanted to open her own business. She had always braided her friends' hair when she was a young girl, and loved clothes, so logically it made sense to open a salon/clothing store. Now she has had the store for three years, and is very proud of it. Jane is also a great saleswomen. I almost left the store with three t-shirts and a pair of leggings. She says that trousers are her best selling item. She goes to the market downtown twice a week to buy clothes to stock her store. She is a great location, right on the main road of the neighborhood of Ongata Rongai, where many people pass by multiple times a day. In her free time Jane likes to swim at Multimedia Unvierstiy of Kenya, just down the road. As a child she grew up with her six sisters swimming on the Tana River. Having six sisters also contributed to her love of clothes. THey had to share their clothes, but they were also able to pick from six wardrobes. Jane's parents are still in Nyeri where they own a coffee farm. Jane spent much of her child picking the red berries off the bushes during harvest. She had a very different life in Nairobi. Jane hopes to expand the inventory of her store with help from Zidisha. She uses the profits to pay for her two daughters' schooling as well as monthly expenses. With a well kept store and an employee, she has really made something for herself as a transplant in Nairobi. comment image

Andrew · Githurai, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

The pictures shows items we bought with the money I received. The items were as follows; Tropical mints kshs. 115 Kenya drops ". 75 Mr. Berry. ". 75 White mints ". 90 Big daddy sachet. 250 Ginger biscuits. 250 Lotta outer. 75 Total. 930 Safaricom 50. 369.20 Sportsman 10. 858.00 Safaricom 10. 184.60 Safaricom 20. 369.20 Airtel 20. 370.00 Rhino ndogo 2. 50.00 Kifaru green 1. 200.00 Total. 2401.00 Umbrella for shade. 1800.00 Sufurias 2. 1000.00 Cooking staffs. 1700.00 Transport. 200.00 Grand total. Kshs. 8031.00 comment image

Felix · Berekum, Ghana

Feb 20, 2015

Samples of clothing comment image

Kiptui · Nakuru, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

A NEW BRANCH OF MY CYBER IN THE MID TOWN OF NAKURU comment image

Kiptui · Nakuru, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

A NEW BRANCH OF MY CYBER IN THE MID TOWN OF NAKURU comment image

John · Dansoman, Ghana

Feb 20, 2015

I would like to take this opportunity and thank the entire zidisha team once again. This is to let you know that the loan I got has helped me a lot in the case of reducing pests on my farm drastically. My mango plants have also shown signs of growing very healthy too. I would also want to creat your awareness again that if maybe you have anybody who buys mango, you can direct him to me also, I would like to do international market too. Thank you and these are some of the pictures of my farm comment image

Margaret · Kahawa, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

Determination is Key With the profits I get, I have already recorded one album. comment image

Judy · Kamoi, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

Wonderful. comment image

Angelina · Northants, United Kingdom

Feb 20, 2015

Hello Erick I am deeply moved at how most of you folks look after your families and your communities, seeking to give back wherever and whenever you can and I believe you folks set us a great example of how life could be if all did the same. I actually feel honoured to be allowed to be a part of your lives and am grateful for the opportunity to help you and through you others with whom you are involved. Who knows but maybe one day I will visit Africa and maybe meet some of you in person. God bless and good luck with all you do Angelina

Joseph · Athi River, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

Practicals comment image

Joseph · Athi River, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

This is my wife during hairdressing classes comment image

Joseph Odhiambo · Kisumu, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

zidisha is one of great things that has happened in my life, i used to have difficulties in getting money to improve my business, the printer i bought with the help of zidisha loan has enable me to earn a little more than i used to. my books say that i get ksh350 has profit daily. i use part of this money for my upkeep and save the rest to buy computer, to catch up with the overwhelming demand of my services. the lake Victoria is very interesting, it is a fresh water lake, it boarders three countries that is; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania. this has made Kisumu an entertainment city , it is growing fast and i should tap to its growing energy. thank you.

Hayatudeen · Effiduase, Ghana

Feb 20, 2015

my colleagues and i comment image

Hayatudeen · Effiduase, Ghana

Feb 20, 2015

at my project proposal presentation comment image

Maina · Nyeri, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

My incubator is almost done thank you for the support i have payed the deposit and on payment of the remaining amount i will be able to sell day old chicks to satisfy my huge demand. comment image

Daniel · Brussels, Belgium

Feb 20, 2015

Ophelia -- thanks for posting all these photos. Until now I had no idea what a mushroom farm looked like. This looks like a super-efficient way to do it! Wish you good luck.

Mar · Gebang Darwo Gebang Jember, Indonesia

Feb 20, 2015

KUE PESANAN 19 FEBRUARY 2015 FROM : Mrs CECILIA (Bungur Jember) Siapa mau Menyusul ... JANGAN MENDADAK YA ... HAPPY BIRTH DAY : DImas Bagaskara comment image

Everlyne · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

Thankful to all zidisha family comment image

Everlyne · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

Am so grateful and so happy with zidisha. i was able to take my son to a new school and buy the requirements like uniform and even materials do to the window curtains comment image

Ophelia · Berekum, Ghana

Feb 20, 2015

Mushroom growing site comment image

Naidah · Nairobi-madaraka, Kenya

Feb 20, 2015

The same type of chicken inside their cages. comment image

Nur · Pekalongan, Indonesia

Feb 20, 2015

Good morning all, thank you to all the lenders who helping my "Nawra Shop". I used my load to purchase and equip my shop, there are beauty tools, mobile card and cologne. So my customer have many option to buy in my shop. In public holiday, i'm work at my shop to serve customer. I really appreciate for my lender. Thank you and God bless you. - Hani - comment image

Seth · Biadan, Ghana

Feb 19, 2015

just relaxing after my break at my shop siting in front of my house now i can say that soon the money will be disbursed to me comment image

Shealady · Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Feb 19, 2015

George... I am so happy for you, congratulations on your business operation permit, this is wonderful, now you are on your way and next all of Ghana... wow!!! I knew you would do it ... you are such a inspiration to me, everything you have set out to achieve you have done it, follow your dreams and look what happens. I am very excited for you .... you will go far in life my friend. I am happy your feeling good and life is treating you well. I can only imagine how many people you will help.... your awesome George! Lorey Brown Shealady

Elizabeth · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 19, 2015

Hi Dear Lenders, I am so glad and thankful that I am able to write this you today. This is to inform that I was able to purchase a Glucometer which I bought at KES 5000($56) and strips to be used with it at KES 1800($20) and Pregnancy test kits at $24, this will enable me to offer more tests in my laboratory to serve my community gladly . Thanks all. God Bless you all. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 19, 2015

Today was my second meeting with Isaac. It's great to see that he has received his loan and bought the spare parts for his motorcycles. However today I went for a different reason. Last time I wrote that Isaac is the chairman for Tuinane, a group of local businessmen and women who meet weekly in order to pull together resources to obtain loans and exchange ideas. Isaac invited me to their weekly meeting and it was a very interesting experience. Isaac lead the meeting introducing me and two members of a microfinance bank that dispurse loans to groups. The interesting part was one of the loan officers told me that he had applied for Zidisha, since he could not obtain a loan from the very bank he works for. Why? Because he lacks any tangible assets. Score for Zidisha! During the meeting a lot of money was collected as group members paid the treasurer of the gorup their weekly installment. Banks will lend to groups like this rather than individuals isnce there is more accountability. Group members make sure other group members pay. Isaac spoke mainly in Swahili, but we switched to English when it was my turn to talk about Zidisha. Only Isaac was a member of Zidisha, and he very much encouraged the others to apply after my presentation. It was a very successful meeting and I am looking forward to hearing from these potential new members in the near future. Isaac was great at managing the group and being encouraging and supportive. Thank you Isaac for spreading the word and supporting Zidisha! comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 19, 2015

My name is Kerry and I am a Client Relationship Intern for Zidisha in Nairobi, Kenya. Today I had the opportunity to meet Nancy, a new Zidisha member living and working in the suburb Kawangware of Nairobi. Nancy was extremely welcoming. She met me in the center of the neighborhood and walked me to her house. When we arrived, she immediately rushed out to buy a Coca Cola so she could offer me something to drink. Nancy is used to taking care of people. She is the eldest of six siblings ranging from six years old to thirty. She is also the mother of a sixteen year old daughter who she had at the age of fourteen. Her mother and siblings still live a ten dollar bus ride (which is expensive here) from Nairobi in the town of Mumias. She has been helping to support her mother, since their father walked out on the family years ago. Here in Kenya, it's the oldest child's responsibility to take care of the parents, and Nancy accepts it whole heartedly. She also visits them around every three months. Nancy met her current husband at Church around six year ago. He is a carpenter that specializes in interior fitting - making cabinets for kitchens. Nancy is very proud of him and showed me some photos of his work, which was impressive. He has also used Zidisha for a loan and helped his wife to apply for hers as well. Nancy decided that she wanted to sell clothing for her small business venture. Why? "Because clothing doesn't rot," she said, "like a tomato or mango". She began hawking her clothing, which means selling without a storefront. She soon discovered baby and childs clothing was the most popular commodity, so she decided to specialize in that. Nancy sells to her friends and acquaintances, which can be challenging since most time she takes a partial payment of cash and the rest credit. This means she has to come by their houses at a later date to receive the rest of the money. She goes to the main market once a week to buy the clothing and then sells it all during the week. The profits from the business go to her daily means, and any extras to her mother and the rest of the family. Income fluctuates quite a bit, but Nancy is very hopeful. I couldn't help asking if baby clothes also have something to do with perhaps wanting another child. Her daughter is living and working at her Aunt's salon in another part of town. Nancy said her and her husband pray for a baby. I asked which she would prefer, a girl or a boy? She said, this time for sure a boy. Here's to hoping that she will be able to outfit a son some day soon. comment image

Obed · Nakuru, Kenya

Feb 19, 2015

Awesome encounter with my first loan. Guess what? as little as 3517 KES I managed to purchase 15 pairs of ladies shoes which amazingly is going like hot cake. my profit margin is tremendously increasing and within a week I have doubled my stock. Bravo Zidisha.

Lydiah · Juja, Kenya

Feb 19, 2015

part of the shop stocks purchased with the help of Zidisha Loan comment image

Martin · Kitale, Kenya

Feb 19, 2015

I have had a problem in cropping my photo but I hope this Photo in this comment can as well work. Regards. comment image

Boubakar · Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Feb 19, 2015

Merci chers prêteurs de visiter mon magasin a travers quelques photographies effectuées a votre attention. comment image

Lilian · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 19, 2015

i wish to thank every member of zidisha team for there continued support, am almost through with my second loan repayment and looking forward to request for the third loan, we had a wonderful Christmas holiday with my family n started 2015 well, i hope u too are fine the business for the last two months has been very slow and i cant tell the reason why but op it will pick in march i just want to share with you the photo of me n my daughter during Christmas holiday n some of the things i make in my shop wish to hear from you too soon one photo i took with Liz who was sent by zidisha team to come and check on my business and see how i was doing. that was last year in september, comment image

Juliet · Accra, Ghana

Feb 19, 2015

Thank you soo much comment image

Everlyne · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 19, 2015

I must say am so grateful to my lenders and to all the zidisha fraternity. My previous loan has really helped me meet the requirements for my son's education. I was transferring him to another school so i was able to get new uniforms, shoes socks and school fees. on top of that i was able to buy materials for curtains. am so thankfull. comment image

Paul · Nakuru, Kenya

Feb 19, 2015

thank guys for coming to my rescue, I Now have another person to assist me undertake this great work, business is good. now my next venture shall be buying a new desktop to establish a cyber cafe comment image

Geoffrey · Miti Mingi, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

Morning my friendly lenders. just wanted to let you know that through the profit I got from your lending, i managed to buy several text books and learning charts for my first born boy who graduated from baby to middle class in a nearby pre unit. Thanks be to the Almighty for enabling you to bring us this far.may God bless the entire zidisha team. good and blessed day.

Moses · Kawangware Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

I have paid part of my fees thank you Lenders comment image

Taylor Hanna · United States

Feb 18, 2015

Dear Lenders, I had to go pretty far in the north of Ghana and visit some elephants on the way, but I finally got to meet Godwin last week in Bolgatanga. The capital of the Upper East region in northern Ghana, Bolga is relatively small but boasts the bustle and energetic feel of a much larger city. I met Godwin in his home where he lives near his mother’s Spot, or local bar, and his brothers. He is soft-spoken and responsible – the oldest of three and, since their father passed away three years ago, a provider as well. Godwin got his degree in computer science but after spending his national service year as a teacher, realized he had found his calling: a place where he could use his skills to help the community he grew up in. Now he teaches ICT skills in a village just outside of Bolga – an area that struggles to find qualified computer teachers. Although many students only have access to technology at school, even that doesn’t amount to much. The few computers that schools do have are out of date, occasionally in disrepair, and can’t access the internet. Adding further challenge, there are so few of them that as many as eight students have to crowd around each screen during class. Godwin does what he can in borrowing friends’ laptops to use at the school and repairing equipment pro bono. But he wants to establish a cyber café near the school to offer students internet access and the opportunity to gain the technological skill necessary if they want to keep up with the industry. Godwin has used his first Zidisha loan to help him repair and sell computer hardware, which he does in his spare time in his office. This extra income helps him keep his youngest brother in school while also saving up to contribute to a proper computer center to serve the community and local students. He admits that when he heard about Zidisha from his friend, he thought it was a joke. But having put his first loan into action, Godwin is incredibly grateful for the support of his lenders and very excited for the future. I had a great, albeit too short, stay in Bolga and am glad to have met Godwin. We wish him the best! Taylor Ghana Country Ambassador Zidisha

Monica · Accra, Ghana

Feb 18, 2015

I am most grateful to Zidisha lenders for putting me in business. Myself n my shop serving a customer. comment image

Tony · Umoja, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

Thanks for what you converted me to comment image

Tito · Kitengela, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

This is the food warmer after purchase comment image

Ruth · Kitengela, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

I used my first loan to purchase this incubator pictured below and feed for my current stock. comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 18, 2015

My name is Kerry and I am a Client Relationship Intern for Zidisha in Nairobi. Today I had the opportunity to meet Paul Okun, a leather worker in Nairobi. Paul is new to Zidisha and just received his first loan, which has enabled him to purchase a curve cutting machine. This allows him to cut leather leaving a rounded edge instead of just relying on his scissors which produce a square edge. Paul was born and raised in Spring Valley, a neighborhood of Nairobi. He still lives on the compound that he and his six brothers and sisters were raised in. In fact, Paul, his mother, and four of his siblings and their families still live in the compound. It can feel very crowded and this may be why his father relocated upcountry to his village of Oyugis. Paul credits the success of his business to his father, since he has always pushed him and helped him financially. After high school, Paul's grades weren't good enough to study at college, not that he was too interested anyway. He realized he was more interested in working with his and hands and different materials. Together with a colleague, they began building crafts from computer designs. This turned building and apolstering furniture. Paul would sell wooden chairs from his father's compound, however since the competiton was fierce, he began producing leather products like folders and coasters. He secured his first big deal with Zehineria Hotel in Westlands. He made them their menu folders, later coasters and eventually Zehineria asked Paul to make 200 conference pads for business meetings. Below are photos of all these products. Only yesterday, with the purchase of the curve cutting machine, Paul secured a deal with Kenya Scout to make 10,000 scouts, which are used to hold women's head scarves together at the base of the neck. This is a huge deal, and it is thanks to Paul and his charisma and persistence, but also to Zidisha lenders. Without the machine, Paul could not have produced the curved edges needed for the scouts. In the future, Paul is looking to continue securing contracts with this company to produce pouches and belts. He wants to use these profits and loans from Zidisha to purchase more machines like a laser engraving machine and hole punching machine. This way he can avoid outsourcing. LIke a true businessman he wants to control all lines of production. This will aslo lead to hiring more employees. Already with the new deal he his able to bring his orphaned cousin to Nairobi from upcountry. The cousin will work for him and in return Paul will provide room and board and pay for his college fees. After his meeting with me, Paul was headed to Kibera, the largest slum in Nairobi. There he works with small business owners to teach them how to market their products. He also plans on spreading awareness of Zidisha. The next time we meet, I will check out his workshop in a neighborhood outside of Nairobi. I am leather lover, so I plan on doing some shopping. comment image

Priscilla · Moonlight, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

Hi lenders, Am grateful to all who supported my loan because my profit has increased approximately by 70% and I want to use partly to buy more utensils so that more customers can be served well. Thanks Zidisha lenders !

Dulo · Muhoroni, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

The pit latrine you saw last week now has slab put on it.it actually costed me Ksh.15,000.Now i have my eyes fixed upon repaying the loan as well as looking for other means of putting up the walls,floors,doors,urinals and painting before the kids start using the new toilet.Actually the project will cost Ksh.60,000.Thank you zidisha and my lenders one more time for investing in our life,more so for helping us address one of the biggest challenges of our time.(equal, affordable and modern education for all ) comment image

Margaret · Vihiga- Chavakali, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

a mother pig with her piglets feeding in an open area. This is the best i trust in the flock for her good mothering ability comment image

Janet · Nairobi Kenya, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

Just added three more plastic chairs, once more just to say thank you to all zidisha staff and lending persons. for now have bought eight plastic chairs. comment image

Janet · Nairobi Kenya, Kenya

Feb 18, 2015

Thank you to zidisha, I love what am doing through your help. I serve my customers with respect and hey enjoy my services. After buying chairs? customers enjoy my services. comment image

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