Zidisha | Project Updates

Project Updates

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

Gadaffi · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 13, 2015

My current stock comment image

Janet · Nairobi Kenya, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

Thank you to all zidisha and lending persons. Just bought five new plastic chairs worth $80 comment image

Paul · Kawangware, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

Thankyou zdisha hope you will remember me. comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 12, 2015

I had a fantastic experience visiting Samuel today at his home and small store in a neighborhood of Nairobi. I visited both Samuel and his cousin, Dauglas (they share a grandfather) who is his mentor as well. These cousins stick together. Since Dauglas is looking to move out of the neighborhood he is in, Samuel has given him a place to stay as well as storage space for his business computer. Samuel is a warm and caring guy. He is thrilled over the dramatic difference he has seen in his livelihood thanks to the loans from Zidisha lenders that have allowed him to invest in his store which sells DVDs and music CDs that he is able to burn from the internet. He has also been able to purchase a printer so he can book events as a photographer. He printed a couple of photos for me while he was there. One of which was picture of his 7 month old baby girl, Gloria. I was fortunate enough to meet her since Samuel so graciously welcomed me into his home, upstairs from the DVD shop. I also met his lovely wife Janet who sliced some mango for us during the visit. For his dad, Samuel was supposed to be a doctor. However with the help of his cousin Dauglas, he was able to convince him to help in getting his degree in electronic engineering. Samuel's father was such an advocate for his education that when times were really tough he sold a piece of his land, so Samuel could continue his studies in Nairobi. Samuel is the eldest of six children, and he has inspired his younger siblings who are also gifted in mathematics. LIke Dauglas, Samuel is optimistic. WIth the help of Zidisha he has seen his profits multiply and he one day hopes to rent a bigger space for his business which will guaranttee a bright future for his baby girl. I can say after being lucky enough to play with her today, she is definitely worth it! comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 12, 2015

Today I had the opportunity to meet with Dauglas, a production entrepreneur that specializes in documenting special events like weddings, graduations, funerals etc. with camera and video. He lives in Kanwaglare currently but searching for a new home in a different of neighborhood due to a difficult landlord. Dauglas is optimistic. I met him along with a newer borrower to Zidisha, Samuel Omgongi. They are actually cousins, they share and grandfather and are both from a small village outside Nairobi. Dauglas moved here first in 2006 to pursure his college education in communication. Samuel followed, inspired by his cousin, and studied electrical engineering. Dauglas helped convince Samuel's father to allow Samuel to study engineering, since his father was set on Samuel becoming a doctor. These cousins stick closely together, and while Dauglas is looking for a new location to set up shop, he stays with Samuel. Dauglas has a wife, who he met at a church event and a 4 month old baby boy Ramsey who he named after a beloved television character because of the character's morality and what he stood for. Dauglas' shop in his old neighborhood specialized in printing, but though that one is temporarily closed he still continues production assignments. He wanted to show me the new camera that Zidisha lenders helped him buy, but his one employee was using it to capture a special event in another part of town. Dauglas is also grateful to Zidisha because the profits that he has acquired with the new camera have allowed to pay for a significant portion of his master's program that he is currently in. He is also teaching Swahili and communication at the downtown University. I may even solicit his teachings in Swahili. He is approachable and very warm. During my visit Dauglas and Samuel invited me into their home, bought me a soda, offered me mango, and let me play with Samuel's baby girl, Gloria. They even have children only three months apart. Dauglas hopes that with continued loans from Zidisha, he will be able to build a studio and start a radio station with his wife, a computer engineer and a borrower of Zidisha. She currently owns and runs a food store. As Dauglas says "the Ocean started with a single drop" so the future is promising. I look forward to listening to that radio station one day, and hopefully by that time I will understand Swahili. Attached are pictures of some of his photography work and our visit! comment image

Christine · Mombasa, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

Thank you zidisha lenders for giving me a loan that enabled me to expand my business. I used the money to buy an assortment of mobile phone accessories and this increased my sales drastically. I even started selling mobile phones which had been my dream for a long time.

Sebastian · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

At my business premise comment image

Salim · Kericho, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

I have completed the house and broughtin the improved kienyeji chicken am very hopeful that the productions will improve hopeful tomrrow I will update u with the photos .my kids arerealy happy about the support that i got from you and we also manage to add a dairy cow which is giving us 10 litres of milk and we sell to our neighbours and get money to suppport the family project .thanx very much my lenders and i will repay promptly INSHALLAH

Amos · Mtwapa, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

Hi my lenders. Attached is a T-shirt designed special for Valentines.. I have managed to sell a few. Wish you all a happy memorable day.BACK. ....WHAT A GOOD DAY..... Front ....WITH LOVE comment image

Kotime · Sunyani, Ghana

Feb 12, 2015

Orange business comment image

Antony · Nairobi Umoja Estate, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

Hello jane. Its my hope you are doing well. Am sure you will be back to your business soon. my twins were also admitted at nkubu hospital on Friday but they are recoveng. I hope to see them out very soon. Otherwise, have a nice day. This is our photo taken last month when I visited them at home. comment image

Didink. K · Kabupaten Bantaeng, Indonesia

Feb 12, 2015

Julia Kurnia (Director Zidhisa) and Didink. K. DT (volunteer Mentor) picture together while on location in the Red Rock District of Pa'jukukang Pa'lingan Bantaeng. Mrs. Julia Kurnia has visited all members and prospective members Zidhisa in the district Bantaeng and partly in the district Jeneponto. Hopefully Zidhisa always successful in developing a vision and mission to help the world as a facilitator for funders to get loans with very low interest or no interest and the borrower always maintain trust with the aim of creating a change in improving welfare.

Yvonne · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

Here is a customer so contented with my hair works. comment image

Samuel · Mazeras, Kenya, Kenya

Feb 12, 2015

@pavane, It's been a while since I read from you. I now miss you dearly :-) . Please throw me an email I confirm you are doing okay in kungsbacka/Sweden! Thanx. yours, Shehi. comment image

Dennis Furr · United Kingdom

Feb 11, 2015

I'm happy for you that your vehicle is back in service and the impact to your business has been relieved. Many of us take for granted the reliability of our vehicles but from time to time we have to face the prospect of expensive repairs. It can be unpleasant, at least until you drive it for the first time afterwards then it's easy to forget again.

Joshua · Berekum, Ghana

Feb 11, 2015

WOW THANK YOU ZIDISHA FOR THE LOAN. EVEN THOUGH THE MONEY WAS NOT ENOUGH, I HAVE BEING ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF VETERINARY SERVICES. THANKS TO MY LENDERS. I LOVE YOU ALL comment image

Rael · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

Me and my family... comment image

Rael · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

Me and my family and some of my work in my studio.... comment image

Shadrack · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

I went downtown today and got a nice 8 litre pump and most of my materials...polythene, netting, string and insecticide to keep away spider mites and foliar fertilizer to boost root development. The netting will keep away the caterpillars. Next is to fetch the poles Friday morning and begin construction. Tomorrow I get to harvest some ripened tomatoes before spraying! comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 11, 2015

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting Isaac, a young entrepreneur working in Kawangware, a neighborhood of Nairobi. Isaac embodies the spirit of an entrepreneur. He is smart, driven, persistant and very well dressed. These qualities are why at only the age of 30 he operates a team of six motorcycle taxis or "piki pikis" as they are known here. He is also the chairman of New Tuinuane, a group of community businessman that meet weekly to network and combine resources to receive higher bank loans. Tuinuane translates to "helping each other" in Swahili. While loans from local banks have helped him with the purchase of the motorcycles, he hopes that with the help of Zidisha and the benefit of far lower interest rates, he will be able to purchase spare parts in order to repair his fleet of motorcycles. Isaac is originally from Busia, where his wife who works as a teacher, and young children still live. He moved to Nairobi 12 years ago, working first as a security guard. After saving enough money he began his business in 2007 with the purchase of 2 motorcycles. For Isaac, nothing is more important than family. He often takes the 9 hour bus ride to return home and spend time with them, sometimes he even takes one of his motorcycles. All the profits from his business go back to his family, primarily the children's education and building their family home. The spare parts will allow Isaac to have security that his motorcycles stay in good condition, which when riding the crazy dirt roads of Nairobi, vehicles easily can become beyond the point of repair. When I was ready to go, Isaac generously offered me a ride home with one of his "piki piki" drivers. As I settled into my seat behind the driver, he jumped on behind me, so he could escort me home. Yes that is just the type of guy he is. Here are some photos of our day! One is with Dickson, a Another zidisha borrower! comment image

Francis · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

Hi lenders, this is my Butchery which I hope will improve with your help through zidisha. comment image

Caleb · Nakuru, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

Thanks to the Zidisha family,because of you i managed to start my business.I bought a computer and printer comment image

Dulo · Muhoroni, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

Thank you Zidisha for helping me with the funds.I had dug a 9 by 6 pit which i have now fully built with bricks 20 feet from underground,This is to prevent the toilet from sinking.I wish to inform my lenders that with the fund you have given me,am now able to put a slab for this toilet.The slab will cost me KSH.13,000.See a photo of our old toilet and that of the new toilet in progress of being made.Thank you,zidisha,thank you my lenders. comment image

Joan · Tenwek, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

Decided to share a smile with you and my little nephew ASHIM.Zidisha has made us a happy lot. comment image

Elijah · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

I also spend my other times of weekends as MC for weddings. comment image

Anthony Mramba · Shanzu Water, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the lenders and the zidisha team at large.I am so grateful and indeed happy because since I joined zidisha I have been stress free.my business has really improve and getting more than 50% of what I was making before.My living standard has as well improved since I could not afford to live in an electricity house but I have moved to a better house.I have been able to make at least 80 to 100 dollars every week.

Patrick Wambugu · Kiawaithanji,nyeri County, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

Good morning all my dear lenders.Today being on the Wednesday here in Kenya,the weather looks pretty sunny and cool.My family too are doing fine and my farm business is pushing hard to see that i feed the nation.Currently,my red onions are almost to be harvested and i expect good returns since all the customers across the nation are coming for the goods here.I am determined to see your success towards funding me being our success to all of us.Thank you so much.

Nicholas · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 11, 2015

Dear Lenders, Zidisha is the best thing that ever happened to me. With the previous funding, I was able to increase my revenue by $80 last month after adding an extra computer in my cyber. I believe if I got more funding and bought a photocopier that is more efficient, I can make even more and my business will continue to expand. Last week I got an order to do 2000 photocopies and my small photocopier doesn't have the capacity. I plan to buy a more efficient photocopier machine to handle the ever growing demand from my customers. Long live Zidisha. God bless you all!!

Paul · Berekum, Ghana

Feb 10, 2015

My manual machine comment image

Paul · Berekum, Ghana

Feb 10, 2015

Samples of my Blocks comment image

Listowell · Berekum, Ghana

Feb 10, 2015

My site for nursery comment image

Kerry Tiedeman · United States

Feb 10, 2015

I had the privilege of meeting Dickson Mutashe today in Kawanglare, a neighborhood of Nairobi. I am not the only one Dickson has welcomed with open arms. He is a Volunteer Mentor to over 50 other borrowers officially, as well as many unofficially who live nearby. After spending the afternoon with him, it became clear that Dickson is the type of person who is always willing to make time for everyone around him. Even while I was there, he was helping Isaac Othieno create his loan application. Dickson has been a borrower of Zidisha for some time and with each loan has seen the Cyber Cafe expand. With his new computers he is able to offer several computer classes a day, employing two teachers who live nearby and teaching many locals who have never used a computer the basics of Microsoft Office and how to use the internet. His dream is to one day have a college or an institute where he can employ many members of the local community and provide computer education. This dream was almost unimaginable ten years ago when Dickson moved from his village, Mumias, to Nairobi leaving behind his wife and family looking for work. Trained as an engineer, he saved money as a security guard, so he could one day be his own boss. Now, his family has long joined him and helps him out tremendously at work. Dickson uses the profits from his business to provide for them, especially in their own dreams. His eldest son, Frederick has just finished secondary school and is interested in studying human rights law, and Dickson's wife, Josephine, also has the same entrepreneurial spirit and desires to open a local shop selling household goods with the help of Zidisha. Dickson thanks Zidisha tremendously, and shows this by helping others navigate the system by answering questions and offering moral support. It was such a pleasure visiting with him, and like the incredible host he is, he has invited me back for Ugali, a typical Kenyan dish of maize porridge. Yum! comment image

James · Githima, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

Doing good comment image

Racheal · Mtwapa, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

zidisha has real inspired me comment image

Racheal · Mtwapa, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

zidisha has real inspired me

Lilian · Nakuru, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

The loan also assisted me to clear my balance for my masters degree in business administration.I graduated in December, with the power of education i believe i will take my business to the next level. comment image

Vasquiz · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

thank you my dear lenders once more i was able to purchase a lactating goat with the money i was given as loan i believe God will help me achieve my dream through you. comment image

Peter · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

my products ready for sale comment image

Peter · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

still going on well

Mwangi · Juja, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

Hey guys, so far am good, last year being my final year in campus, i was tied up by my project research and other course work but thanks to your patience, i can now say this is the greatest online community ever. Having been through with campus am now entirely committed to my business ie self employment. Having bought the new HP MFP M175 colour printer am now enjoying the profit of good investments thanks to you again. Thanks.... comment image

Fredrick · Bungoma, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

Its a small room made of plywood panels but it has fed my family.Thank you Zidisha comment image

Peter · Nairobi, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

still going on well and hope to do the best comment image

Fredrick · Bungoma, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

Thank you so much for this much needed loan.The photo is me in my barbershop with a client,after shaving i apply methylated spirit on my clients heads to prevent infections.Some prefer a full head wash after a shave. comment image

Everlyne · Kanduyi Area Of Bungoma, Kenya

Feb 10, 2015

Today is a good day comment image

Ishmail · Kumasi, Ghana

Feb 10, 2015

Zidisha team and my lenders has really helped me a lot for me to be where I am now i have gain recognition and and which zidisha team will keep on helping me. Thanks a lot zidisha, this is some of the clothing I have produced comment image

TyrynyRed · United States

Feb 10, 2015

Thanks for letting us know, please do what you need to do for your family and yourself. People are more important than money. Do your best, and do what you can when you can.

Douglas · Nakuru-lanet, Kenya

Feb 9, 2015

i take this time to thank my lenders and the support they gave me so far. the money i received from you enabled me to buy a refrigerator for the preservation of drinks. this has enabled me to offer quality services to my customers hence increasing my customer base. this has led to the increase of my profits by around 15%.

Dorcas · Kimende, Kenya

Feb 9, 2015

Hi @Andrew i was able to buy the form one shirts and t shirts and i can say that the business is doing so fine ,actually i will be getting additional stock tomorow. Regards Dorcas Nene.

Edwin · Nairobi, Githurai Kimbo, Kenya

Feb 9, 2015

Hi DocHolliday' Receive my warm greetings hoping that you are carrying out your daily chores in good condition. Here in Kenya am good despite this now our fourth week since the school reopen .Therefore , receive my big thanks for your wonderful financial support you me to purchase school learning materials it has been of good and positive impact because the student got everything is set ready to learn bravo my Brother and ihope to settle my loan on time so that i borrow big amount so i do purchase lockers chairs for my student. Thanks once again for your concern .Bye God bless the work of your hand abundantly. Edwin Marumbu.

Pamela · Kibabii Market ,bungoma, Kenya

Feb 9, 2015

I want to thank the lenders for the good work done.i was able to purchase a laminating machine and the business is good.I am now able to do lamination of all types of documents.Thanks for giving me an opportunity.

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