Zidisha | Project Updates

Project Updates

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

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Mar 9, 2015

My name is Kerry and I am a Client Relationship Intern for Zidisha in Nairobi, Kenya. I had the opportunity to meet Theresia on the outskirts of Nairobi at her elementary school last week. I was very excited to see her school. It can be especially fun, because being a visiting foreigner, the kids are usually very excited to see you and have a story to tell, since it's not every day they see a "Mzungu". This day did not disappoint. I met Theresia and I introduced myself to each classroom. There were many giggles from the 205 students ranging from ages of 3 to 12. Theresia has been a teacher since 1998 after moving to Nairobi from Kisumu County in western Kenya. She worked a private school for a couple years and then received her ECDE (Early Child Development Education) while working at the same time. Then in 2011 she continued her education and received her college diploma. Theresia began theschool in 2001 with her salary from the private teaching job. She saw the need for a school in the community she lived that was more affordable for the local families. Her school is private, but the fees are 800KES/month, which is a little less than $10. Public schools in Kenya are few and far between so Theresia has provided a great option for the members of her community. She began the school with one employee and five children. One of the five students has done so well that she was awarded a scholarship for a prestigious national school from Equity Bank, a company which will sponsor her all the way through University. Theresia feels extremely proud of her former student and has been slowly adding grades since those five preschoolers. This is in large part due to the help of Zidisha lenders. She has used her loans to increase the number of classrooms and accomodate more children and now employs 10 teachers. She hopes with furthur loans she will be able to build a second story and add more classrooms. The school is growing with the kids. Theresia has taken a piece of land and created a community. It is easy to see how she is capable of doing this. She is warm and caring. We visited her house which is next door to the school. She offered me one of her chickens, (I said I had nowhere to keep it) and while I was there some of the school children came over and she gave them cups for water. I was even able to get a ride back to town with her brother in his police bus. I left during recess, and all the children were outside playing on the giant field next to the classrooms. They looked very happy. comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Mar 9, 2015

My name is Kerry Tiedeman and I am a Client Relationship Intern for Zidisha in Nairobi, Kenya. Today I had the opportunity of meeting Joshua at his art studio just outside of Nairobi County. Joshua has worked as an artist for over twenty years. He moved to Nairobi in 1989 o look for work from Kisumu, which is city in Western Kenya. When Joshua moved he found a job painting at African Heritage, which began in 1973 as a producer and seller of African handicraft and artwork. After years of working for different outlets painting and constructing different types of handicrafts, he finally opened his own studio partnering with a friend he met at African Heritage. Joshua and his partner Samson's studio is on the roof of an apartment building in the outskirts of Nairobi. It has an incredible view of the surrounding neighborhood. It's a small shed and walking in there are olive tree and sandstone bowls, giraffe pencil holders, spoons, vases and many other handicrafts all either already painted or awaiting for either Joshua, Samson or Samson's cousin to paint them with incredible designs of animals and African sunsets. Normally Joshua and his partner receive orders from art brokers which then sell the items at local and international markets to tourists. In order to finance the purchase of the bowls or spoons, Samson would have had to depend on advances from the brokers, which made it easier for brokers to pay them lower prices for the items. Fortunately with the help of Zidisha lenders, Joshua can purchase the items beforehand and have more control over setting prices. This is leading him and his partner to think of cutting out the middlemen and head to the markets on their own, as well as find international buyers. (So if anyone is interested) Their pieces can be custom made and are truly beautiful. Before I left the studio I had ordered two bowls and asked them to paint a specific design I had seen on their other pieces and they happily obliged. They also have a blog and facebook page to attract buyers. Joshua's wife also is an entreprenuer and with the profits from his studio and the cybercafe she runs, they are able to support their children. It was actually his wife, Dorkas who introduced him to Zidisha. She met a former Client Relationship Intern in a financial meeting. Dorkas is from the coast and since I had just come back from Mombasa, we talked about the great food and the beautiful sea. She met Joshua here in Nairobi at church. I am starting to think I need to go to church because so far that is where the majority of the borrowers I have met have met their significant others. Both Joshua and Dorkas are optimistic about their businesses and hope to grow and expand them. They are very grateful to Zidisha lenders for helping the purchase the materials they need to run sucessful businesses.

Simon · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

This is me with my loved ones after attending church . comment image

Ann · Kasarani, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

Hi lender i thank you all for making my business grow. Out of buying the digital camera have started printing photos using my Epson stylus RX 620 an out of what i get from printing passports , 4 by 6 photos, clients always ask for A4 size.This made me to start buying few photo frames which are selling well. All this have increase my income by about 14 dollas in a week. Am looking forward for the next loan which am now planning to buy more photo flames in bulk so that i get the flames at a wholesale price which is cheaper than buying at retail price. Again God bless you all

Olfa · Kitengela, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

I did not anticipate that the funds would have such an impact in my life and that of the orphaned children, but am glad it has. The shed that I built is very accessible and I spend most of my working days there. The children are happy because they can now buy books and some supplies that they need for school and a few other items. Am glad to report that the business is doing good and is impacting those it intended to reach in the best way possible. Thank you to my lenders and it is my hope that it grows more.

Alice · Nakuru, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

Hurray! I managed to clear my loan and am so happy that all went well without me straining at all whatsoever. My work has improved tremendously and I have been able to increase my sales up by 60% and am so busy throughout the week. The extra earning has enabled me to pay for my son's two school trips this term comfortably to Nyeri town on friday last week Ksh. 3,500/= and Kisumu town on 16th March Ksh4,500/= (along with pocket money) since he is a scout and he travels for functions with the school. Thank you so much all my lenders from the bottom of my heart and surely my life has turned for better by a big margin. Many blessings your way!

Milka · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

Am very grateful for zidisha and lenders for the opportunity they offered me with loan service. Surely the loan has really boosted my business because I was able to add one computer into my computer services shop. now this computer is being used by the customers who finds me busy typing i.e projects for universities students and they want to type for themselves i charge them depending with the time they have used and also printing. this has really increased my daily earning and i know through Zidisha i will reach to my goals of operating a cyber at Kikuyu. my desire is complete my loan before my expected due date because i want to add another computer soon and very soon. May Almighty bless you and thank you so much I REALLY APPRECIATE

Humphrey · Ongata Rongai, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

I appreciate your assistance in funding my business, I purchased ; 15 socket outs for $24.45, 20 one gang switches for $16.30, 15 two gang switches for $ 22.82, 40 lamp holders for $36.95 , These items have made a big improvement in the flow of the repair job i now get, and therefore an increase in income. I one month , I now earn $195.65 compared to$163.05 three months ago. I am now able to pay for my children school fees without having so much arrears. I was able to take my family once to a funfair to swing on one Saturday afternoon.

David · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

thanks to the zidisha loan, I was able to purchase a phone unlocking and flashing equipment which has made my work easier and has reduced my operation cost for I no longer have to outsource those services. my income has increased and last week I was able to pay my fiancee's hospital bill for an operation that cost me 20,550. thanks to the lenders you have realy transformed the lives of many who couldnt access bank loans.God bless you and keep up the good work

Venny · Yimbo, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

Thank you so much zidisha for your help since i was able to take my younger sister to a boarding school with the money i received from you, its a dream come true to me , she was very happy and that look in her eyes when i finally told her she was joining a boarding school was priceless. comment image

Faith · Nkubu-meru, Kenya

Mar 9, 2015

I hope you are able to appreciate the sprinkler behind me doing irrigation. the cabbages are almost due for harvest. thankyou all my lenders. long live zidisha. comment image

Stephen · Sunyani, Ghana

Mar 8, 2015

Dear Lenders, thanks for your highly support, the project are also on-going and here are the pictures of the project and the school. I have also attached the road of my school which is 'Nkosookrom' road. Respectfully, I have three uniforms for my school including their Friday wear that's T-shirt. Thank you very much and also greetings to you dear Lark Ducoeur for your patience. comment image

Ophelia · Berekum, Ghana

Mar 8, 2015

Thank you Lenders for your love for my project, I am very happy for your funding. comment image

Josephat · Juja Town, Kenya

Mar 8, 2015

It was quite intriguing working with the last loan, through it I was able to purchase a sewing machine which has helped a lot let alone the shoe stock. I suppose the next loan shall be to me a stepping stone towards building a stronger financial base. comment image

S Masler · Tennessee, U.S.A., United States

Mar 7, 2015

Im excited to hear thay you are doing ethnographiv research. I was trained in anthropology and have had a career in museums. Attached is s photo og our museum. comment image

Eunuke Oyunge · Keumbu, Kisii, Kenya

Mar 7, 2015

food

Eunuke Oyunge · Keumbu, Kisii, Kenya

Mar 7, 2015

here is the magic blender comment image

Omanano · Komenda Edina, Ghana

Mar 7, 2015

I want to use this opportunity go thank the zidisha loan service for this fund provided me...infact, the fund has helped me to boost my clothing business. My store is now filled with more new clothings and has helped me earn some money to invest in my business, fend myself and also use some to buy my school items I need. I must say I'm very grateful

John · Thika, Kenya

Mar 7, 2015

I managed to open a retail shop following the disbursement for my previous loan. This shop is located next to one of the most biggest universities around this region. The business picked s well and client where interested of different fashion of clothes in my shop. This has helped me to pay off my loan even beyond my expectation.

Omanano · Komenda Edina, Ghana

Mar 7, 2015

Lucy · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 7, 2015

Hello lenders thank you very much for the loan. I managed to repair the photocopy and now i am doing a lot of copies than before. This machine has really increased my profit by 5%. The profit am using it to pay a plot had purchased a year ago and i have been having a balance of 20,000 Kenya shillings. Once more thank you God bless you.

Monicah · Sega, Kenya

Mar 7, 2015

I managed to buy a hair dryer and blow dryer. this has since increased the traffic in my salon and thus my immediate payment of my first installment before time am optimistic to finish my loan before my expected date of May 10 th. I sincerely thank you my lenders and Zidisha inc

Walter · Rongai, Nakuru, Kenya

Mar 7, 2015

Dear Lender, God blessed us with son - Writch, what a wonderful gift for our young family. My business is still moving on well. As promised, loan is being paid and wish to complete before time and if need be take another one. Otherwise God bless you abundantly still together. Walter

Victor · Enosaen, Kenya

Mar 7, 2015

To All Zidisha Lenders & Management. I wish to thank my lenders and Zidisha management. Your loans are improving my retail business day by day. I anticipate to change my current to shop to a wholesale and retail shop in the next two years. Much regards Victor Mogoi Mose. comment image

Lawrence · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 7, 2015

Hi Zidisha family, I took a dive into fish farming, adventure I was very green in, thanks to Zidisha and some money I had, I've managed to make some strides, the experience has been one of a kind. Fish farming the world over is great business, I'm determined to go full throttle, improve my knowledge of the trade through seminars and workshops. It is with this in mind that I have chosen Zidisha as my partner in growth as I write a new chapter in my life and inspiration of the people around me. "I'M FISH ABOUT FISH"

Miriam · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 6, 2015

Thank you Zidisha and all my lenders.Since Zidisha started leanding me,i have been able to do business and i have seen alot of improvement in my live and family.The last loan helped me alot since it was christmas and festival season,when everyone and every family eat chicken.I managed to clear alot of my debts and also to bring more chicks.Now that i have more customers i would still want to expand my business further.Inface i would even like to start a small college to teach people on how to keep chicken.

Sandrine Dioulasso · Bobo-dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Mar 6, 2015

C'est un privilège pour moi de vous informer que j'ai pu payer une machine a coudre et maintenant les affaire ce porte a merveille. comment image

Getrude · Nakuru,kenlands Estate, Kenya

Mar 6, 2015

these are some of my making and anyone can order them from any part of the world comment image

Dennis · Thika, Kenya

Mar 6, 2015

After receiving my loan i added some of my money i had saved and bought 3 digital set top boxes which i sold within the first week.With the money together with the profits i have now purchased 5 of them and sold 2.I hope to sell the others which am sure after reselling them i will be able to double the number as well as my profits.This is already starting to impact on my business thanks to my lenders and Zidisha.I hope to succeed more and share with you the good news

Kennedy · Mbita, Kenya, Kenya

Mar 6, 2015

What a good life...! a midst loving and caring friends brought about by the Zidisha Lending Platform...! comment image

Kennedy · Mbita, Kenya, Kenya

Mar 6, 2015

Zidisha lending platform is the best Micro-Finance I have ever come accross in my life! I strongly believe, this is the right platform to uplift Africa and the developing countries like Kenya out of abject poverty. comment image

Joyce · Zowerani, Kenya

Mar 6, 2015

Hello to all Joyce's lenders! My name is Jennifer and I have worked with the JoyFo Bakery since 2012. Am so proud of Joyce and her great record of repayment. She delivered scones and "roses" (rolls) to me yesterday and we took this picture. She is going to "take a rest" from borrowing for awhile. It is wonderful to be a part of this family. On their behalf, thank you comment image

Richard · Berekum, Ghana

Mar 6, 2015

Today marks the 58th independence of Ghana. On 6th March, 1957 Ghana then Gold Coast gained independence from the British rule. I dedicate this day to all lenders for the great work done by uplifting the image of my school.

Wiwik · Pamulang, Indonesia

Mar 5, 2015

Dear Lenders... How are you? It' s rainy season in my area. So weather wet, cold and humid. But it's nice. Street, road and everything is clear from dust. The rain moved them away. I have good news. My home is fixed. Thanks to You dear God to show zidisha and meet me with You all. Not completly fixed, because I have to do some finishing so the production room has to be clean and neat so it could be use properly. But it's okay. Since I can back to my business last month, I ccan start to increase my income and save some of them. This late weeks i've been busy with my friend to find supplier for fruit crisp ( crisp made from raw fruit and dried it, without reduce the taste, nutritious and smells). I have plan to buy in gtocery and do self in smaller packaging. Want to produce my self but need more than $ 30.000 at the beginning -just for machine. So think I better start from the small thing. 1 step at a first. The place that produce it long way feom my town. I lived in Pamulang(west Java) and the producers around central Java. Thats why makes me not inform you about my progress often. Next time i'll show the beautiful picture I took when i did the survey. Prety place. I wish one day you guys could come and see it. Enough for now. I havw to start the day. Bless and happiness for you Julia..and all my lenders and translator. Catch you soon. Big hug Wiwik

Domnic · Kisumu, Kenya

Mar 5, 2015

this is a pictures of venders that uses the solar lamps upon the sun set.they do appriciate because now they can sell up to very late. comment image

Taylor Hanna · United States

Mar 5, 2015

Dear Lenders, Yesterday, I had the honor of meeting Emmanuel in Adawso, a rural town near Koforidua, in Ghana’s Eastern Region. We met at the Compassionate Kids School, a primary school founded three years ago by Emmanuel’s NGO, Compassion 4 Humanity, aiming to reach children underserved by government education options. The school consists of seven classrooms, an office/library/computer lab, and a kitchen serving breakfast and lunch. We met at the school so I could give a presentation about Zidisha to interested schoolteachers, but while they were still working we had time to chat privately against a background chorus of students’ songs and recitations. Founded 2004, C4H now runs a primary and pre-primary school serving students as young as two as well as a vocational apprenticeship program for youth. Emmanuel’s wife, Naomi, works in the school’s kitchen and uses Zidisha loans to buy ingredients for student lunches. C4H gets some funding from program income, donors, and a small amount of government funding for the school, but quite a lot of its funds come from Emmanuel’s own savings from his other work. When he’s not at the school, Emmanuel has a farm of corn, cassava, and plantains, and he sells his produce as well as fertilizers and pesticides to other farmers during Adawso’s twice-weekly market days. Zidisha loans have been a big part of paying for farm equipment and tools in order to attain higher production yields and therefore higher profits at market days. In the future, Emmanuel hopes to expand his farm, continue developing the primary school, and level out a spot for a playground. Emmanuel has been involved with Zidisha since the beginning, when he worked with our country expansion coordinator, Roberta, and has been a huge help as a Volunteer Mentor and a resource for borrowers around the Eastern and Accra regions. I know he is grateful for the support of his lenders and we are excited to see what comes next! You can learn more about Compassion 4 Humanity by visiting their website at http://compassion4humanity.com/ Thank you, Taylor Ghana Country Ambassador Zidisha Pictured: Emmanuel, his wife Naomi, and Emmanuel Jr; the Compassionate Kids School during a recess

Taylor Hanna · United States

Mar 5, 2015

Dear Lenders, I met Naomi yesterday in the school where she works in Adawso, a rural town near Koforidua, in Ghana’s Eastern Region. Naomi runs the kitchen at Compassion 4 Humanity’s primary school, Compassionate Kids School. The school opened 2.5 years ago as a response to a lack of options for good education in the area and serves children from pre-school through sixth form. Serving breakfast and lunch to over 100 students, Naomi prides herself on being able to provide nutritious and fresh ingredients for the best meal most of the students will have access to in the day. Her Zidisha loan has had a big impact on her ability to provide fresh veggies and good protein to students. On the day I visit, one of my favorite Ghanaian dishes is on the meal: Red red, a traditional and filling meal with lots of beans and plantains, and the kitchen is hard at work prepping for tomorrow. Naomi is incredibly appreciative of the help she has received from Zidisha, as I’m sure are the students that benefit from her work, and looks forward to continuing the relationship with her lenders. Naomi – thank you for taking the time to meet me yesterday. We wish you and your family the best! If you would like to learn more about C4H and the Compassionate Kids School, visit their website at http://compassion4humanity.com/ Thank you, Taylor Ghana Country Ambassador Zidisha Pictured: Naomi and her son Emmanuel Jr, the Kitchen, and the two with husband/father Emmanuel.

Taylor Hanna · United States

Mar 5, 2015

Dear Lenders, It was an honor to get to meet Cornelius last week in Prampram, a quiet coastal town two hours from Accra. Cornelius has been with Zidisha since the program’s inception in Ghana, going door to door with our expansion coordinator Roberta to talk to potential borrowers, and still is called for advice regularly by borrowers and VMs. Originally a business consultant, Cornelius wanted to find a way to use his skills to and expertise to really serve the communities he grew up in: small-scale entrepreneurs in the informal sector. When I asked him what drove him to quit private consulting, he answered, “If you see a need and feel it has affected you, why not try to solve it?” And so the African Association of Entrepreneurs was founded. AAE has a microfinance project, has produced an impressive library of reports and country analyses, won two UN Volunteering awards in 2012 and 2013, and offers online coaching to young entrepreneurs. I met Cornelius where he is building a physical resource center for AAE. The center will serve as an office and offer books, computer and internet access, and support to entrepreneurs in the program. He says moving from Accra both saves on rent and property costs, allowing more resources to go to the project, and expands access to rural individuals. The project has been underway for two years and Zidisha loans have been a big part of helping him get off the ground. In fact, in addition to using them himself, Cornelius recommends Zidisha loans to many of his students. Many entrepreneurs don’t have extensive post-graduate education and so much of the economy takes place in the informal sector underserved by traditional banking. He is enthusiastic about Zidisha’s capacity to help individuals grow their small businesses and wants to see the program remain strong. Cornelius – I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to sit down with me and introduce me to some other borrowers in Prampram. I’ll be back soon! Thank you, Taylor Ghana Country Ambassador Zidisha

Ibrahim · Kisumu, Kenya

Mar 5, 2015

Hallo Dear lenders and Zidisha team, thanks for giving me this opportunity to apply for another loan.The attached Photo shows my cereals display.I do hope that you will support me in this loan request and enable me buy more stock and include more products. comment image

Taylor Hanna · United States

Mar 5, 2015

Dear Lenders, I had the pleasure of meeting with Ignatius last week when I visited Prampram. Prampram is situated the coast about two hours away from Accra and home to quiet and pretty beaches, where Ignatius grew up as the last of five children. Now he has two of his own (A ten-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl) and still lives in his hometown close to family. Ignatius heard about Zidisha from Cornelius, one of our most experienced Volunteer Mentors, and was excited about the possibility of injecting some extra money into his business. As the market slowed, he had to close his business temporarily to work elsewhere. Now he works in construction assisting his brother to support his family. Still, work opportunities as a freelance contractor are irregular, and much of his income goes to paying for his children's school and supplies. He hopes soon to be able to make a small payment and reschedule his loan to a more manageable amount. Ignatius – thank you so much for taking the time to meet me! I hope I can see you soon when I return to Prampram. Thank you, Taylor Ghana Country Ambassador Zidisha Pictured: Ignatius (right) and VM Cornelius

Virginia · Mombasa, Kenya

Mar 4, 2015

I bought Printing materials as I had explained ealier as I was requesting for Loan. Since i bought the materials my earnings have increased from $200 to $300. I have bought more materials from the earnings. I have also paid school fees for my daughter through the earnings. We as family are happy about zidisha and would encourage you to keep on lending people so that they may improve in their day lives.

Grace · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 4, 2015

Hallo lenders, I have added another photo that shows the butter in the containers awaiting sealing, labelling and packaging, After the processing it is left for a few minutes to cool and that is when it is sealed. comment image

Awudu · Berekum, Ghana

Mar 3, 2015

In fact, this young girl is very serious in ICT and also very faster. I always feel happy to teach her. comment image

Kenneth · Torit, Kenya

Mar 3, 2015

Land preparation underway. comment image

Dorothy Emefa · Accra, Ghana

Mar 3, 2015

I just received the money, I want to say a big thank you to my lender and I want you to know that I won't let you down.

Stephen · Timau, Kenya

Mar 3, 2015

Hi guys. well I am happy to join Zidisha Inc. I present many thanks to the person who introduced me to this community of zidisha. my project was funded less then two week time and I manage to buy few items to boost my business. the items such as zippers, sewing threads, and some Gitenges. these items has increased my income that helped me to pay our residential house. I also introduced Zidisha to my best friends and Am waiting if they make up their minds to join I can be able to send them to zidisha team for processing the necessary of membership to zidisha family. In the photo is my life partner who runs the business I thank God for the love she gives me withing the family comment image

Ezekiel · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 3, 2015

Thank you very much Zidisha and all lenders fraternity for the support I am receiving. My life and my business is in a better part and is improving each an every time. The only challenge I had was that we lost one of our own well known Kalenjin musician Junior Kotestes who in 2014 lead the country in winning, Kenya Music Copyright A ward. We as the Kalenjin musician had to travel to his birth place in Abosi Transmara to give him the last respect. As Iam writting this mail I have now come to Nairobi where full Internet reign the place. tomorrow 4th March will be the day I will be making my Zidisha payment. Thank you, Mutai Ezekiel.

Grace · Nairobi, Kenya

Mar 3, 2015

Hallo lenders, I have added a photo of my peanut butter grinding machine, You can see how the peanut is being grinded into butter. I will be posting more photos while am at work. Thank you once more and God bless you as I waiting for you Generous lenders to fund me. comment image

Kennedy · Mbita, Kenya, Kenya

Mar 3, 2015

With the initial loan of Ksh 3,534, I bough six classroom desks and the children are now happy learning in clean benches/chairs. The purchase of new desks has increased students morale and encouraged parents to be more responsible in paying the school fee on time which has helped to raise enough money to pay teachers salary for the month of February, 2015. Our earning have increased by 15% over the month of February. The increased earning have been used to pay teachers and buy chalk for use in the classrooms. My eldest daughter has joined Grade 4 this year and she is happy to be able to learn sitting in a comfortable desk (bought with the loan fund) in the classroom. comment image

Muthoni · Nakuru, Kenya

Mar 3, 2015

i have enrolled myself to a video Editing class,i want to have the knowledge of video editing so as in future i open up a studio,am finding it interested and am enjoying my classes,the teaching lessons will go for 3 months.

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