Zidisha | Project Updates

Project Updates

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

Priscilla · Bungoma Town, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

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

Christabel · Mateka Village, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

Help me to sew more dresses like these comment image

Benni · Stuttgart, Germany

Jan 13, 2015

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

Kpelle Guba · Hohoe, Ghana

Jan 13, 2015

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

Betty · Malindi, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

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

Francis · Kisumu, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

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

Leah · Ngong Town, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

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

Jushua · Ingineeer Town, Kinangop, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

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

Leonard · Nakuru, Kenya

Jan 13, 2015

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

Kipkoech · Kapsoit, Kenya

Jan 12, 2015

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

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Jan 12, 2015

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

Jushua · Ingineeer Town, Kinangop, Kenya

Jan 12, 2015

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

Samuel · Nairobi, Kenya

Jan 12, 2015

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

Dora · Kariani,muthambi Location, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

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

Bernard · Siwot Village, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

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

James · Ruiru Hilton Centre House No 5 Kenya, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

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

Feri · Purbalingga Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Jan 11, 2015

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

Antony · Nairobi Umoja Estate, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

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

Anne Wambui · Mawanga Centre, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

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

David · Mombasa, Kenya

Jan 11, 2015

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

Margaret · Mombasa, Kenya

Jan 10, 2015

The onion seed nursery comment image

Margaret · Mombasa, Kenya

Jan 10, 2015

My 2 Jewels comment image

Margaret · Mombasa, Kenya

Jan 10, 2015

The chicken comment image

Carolyne · Kitengela, Kenya

Jan 10, 2015

I would like to thank all my lenders for trusting in me and giving me the financial support. I was able to purchase a more fingering for my fish rearing business, i also bought seat for my farmers to be sitting comfortably during the trainings, i organized my farm well by fencing the compound for security purposes. From the investment i have been able to earn extra coin for myself and the society. My earnings have almost doubled now and i am not straining to feed my people as i used to do. Now i can pay my house expenses and have even taken my daughter to a better school where am paying more than double the school fees i used to pay in the former school. During the holiday season for Christmas i managed to take my family for a tour in Mombasa where we relaxed and enjoyed our selves very much. I am planning to continue growing my business because it is my passion and it gives me joy to see it grow. With the zidisha support i am sure i will grow big business wise and i will be able to achieve my long term goals like buying a good car with will help me move efficiently and serve my clients well. I am very thankful to lenders for because of their support i have been able to achieve a lot. Thank you so much am happy. comment image

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Jan 9, 2015

Wife and baby are fine.Thanks for the tips.I live outside town,and its only in town where internet is accessed,so bear with me when i sometimes take a couple of days to respond to your comments.But i am glad i met a photoshop enthusiast.Hoping to learn and share tips with you.

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Jan 9, 2015

I have seen the success of getting a loan.It boosts me greatly.I am working hard to have my own studio in town,considering i discovered that my "elementary" photoshop skills are above average in this town.Making some good enough money.Holiday income saw me paying my wifes hospital bill after she delivered a baby boy.Thanks lenders.I couldnt have been ready to have the kind of money they wanted from me for her delivery.Hoping to continue working with you.I will have to get permission to share the wedding photos here.

Jairo · Nairobi, Kenya

Jan 9, 2015

am so grateful to God felling hapy and blessed after buying a printer so far have raise 120 usd from photoshots and photocopy.

Antony · Nairobi Umoja Estate, Kenya

Jan 8, 2015

Dear zidisha community. Hello once again! First let me appreciate the work you are doing to other mankind. I found my home here at zidisha after several days of business loan search. Even my bank couldn't offer me a loan coz they required me to save and withdrawal regularly a requirement which I didn't met because I had to do buy several goods every morning thus left with nothing or little to save. I remember a morning well going through a local dairy when I came across a page of zindisha biashara advert of kcb & safaricom. I noticed they could grant one a loan of 20,000 without security. I followed the procedure and later opened an account with them but later I was informed that I had to operate the account regularly for at lest one month hopelessly I went back to my shop and started to search the web for their term. Fortunately when I clicked the search button I spotted ZIDISHA.ORG website and it caught my attention. Now I have brothers and sisters who understands my problems and are readily available to offer me great support when I am in need. That why am here to stay. May GOD BlESS ZIDISHA AND ZIDISHA TEAM.

Dickson · Karuri, Kenya

Jan 8, 2015

My business profit have increased by 80% since I acquired a new deep freezer. Thanks once again for entrusting me with your money. What you have helped me achieve is the greatest height since I started business. I hope with God I will one repay it by changing someone's life positively. God bless you.

Charles · Nairobi City, Kenya

Jan 8, 2015

Thank you otto Fortune Learners is a very interesting project,it is a project of Fortune Community Centre a community based organization which has three main mandates: 1.Providing education to the most vulnerable children living in informal settlement of Soweto and Kayole. 2.Promoting economic empowerment of vulnerable women and youth. 3.Provision of HIV and AIDS education to children,youth and women. The education project was started in January 2014 and I witnessed a big number of orphans and other vulnerabe children missing out on education for lack of the small levies charged in government school,others could not afford school uniform which was mandatory in government school and that is when I thought of starting Fortune Learners Centre ,the school admit children orphans and children from poor families and others from families who can pay some small amount to pay for administrative costs,which in most cases is inadequate,we integrate the orphans and they are taught free of charge,they are also provided with uniforms free of charge that is why everyone looks smart but there are some many problems hidden in those nice uniforms and lovely faces.We depend on local and international volunteers to provide education at the project.Attached is the photos of the orphans who have been admitted this new year. comment image

Charles · Nairobi City, Kenya

Jan 8, 2015

I am grateful for Zidisha,you people helped me open school with uniforms in place. comment image

Godfrey · Meru, Kenya

Jan 8, 2015

Hello once again for your help,im now on the process of taking care of my farm to produce more feeds for ma livestock. comment image

Peter · Kitale, Kenya

Jan 8, 2015

I appreciate my lenders and the Zidisha community for your assistance i was able to boost my business by adding stock to , i purchased stationery(photocopy papers and flash disks) and i have also purchased the ink cartridge am now well prepared for a booming back to school business this January and February.

Evans · Kisii- Mosocho Market Mwobo Village, Kenya

Jan 8, 2015

I am happy that i have repaid my first loan on time and successfully. Over Christmas holidays i started collecting rare birds because i love them. I admire watching them play, forage, eat, lay eggs and hatch chicks. Secondly these birds are almost extinct in my community and our children do not know the difference between a duck and goose. It is my hobby and thanks to Zidisha lenders for making it possible. comment image

Franmiguel · Perth, Australia

Jan 7, 2015

Hi Wise, I am about to go away and will be out of touch for six days, but my preliminary thoughts are these. It does seem as if you have put a lot of thought into your proposal. I would suggest that the next step would be to develop a business plan detailing all the expected costs and probable income to project cash flows for your business. Wise, I see that you have studied business at college, so I expect that you would have already done some of these calculations. I expect with the purchase of a motorbike and employing staff, the amount required to start this business will not be small. Any investor will want to see the Maths behind the proposal, which would have to included in the loan application. Lots of Business fail asthe costs are underestimated and the expected income is overestimated during the planning stages. It always pays to be conservative in estimating both of those parts. If the plan is well though out, and the "numbers" support the plan, I am sure that the Zidisha community would support you. Regards Michael

Wise · Sunyani, Ghana

Jan 7, 2015

I am sorry for being late to reply your massage. I just arrived home from church meeting. Among a lot of business ideas, I have a plan to start " MY HOUSE BOY SERVICES" This idea is about home service delivery. My targets are the following: Office workers, shop owners, lecturers, students and bankers. Sunyani is a fast growing regional capital of the Brong Ahafo Region. The town is highly populated with workers, students and shop owners. This is because; there have been recent increase in tertiary education and government agencies and other businesses including a giant Mining company Newmont gold Company. There are Sunyani polytechnic, Catholic University, Cape Coast University Distance Campus, University of Education Winniber Distance Campus, University of Energy and many other professional and private High schools introduced in the capital City within two years. All this organizations employ a lot of people on full time jobs. In this case, i will take the advantage of their time of closing from work to provide them with all the items and food stuffs they will need for the week at affordable price. Sunyani as a town is still running the market day system where villages around brings their food items on Wednesday to sell and the items are sold at a very cheap cost. so this is where my business comes in. During the day time of their work like busy bankers, lecturers, students, and shop keepers who cannot close from their work to visit the market will need my help. STRATEGIES I will go them at their offices and take their orders for the week. Do presentations Deliver the items at their office and at their home where and when necessary. Very soon there will be road traffic due to the increasing population and my services would have been known to all organizations in Sunyani. METHOD OF OPERATION I will need to buy a motor cycle which i have a driving permission. I will also need to employ additional person probably a lady who have idea on food stufs and other items. COMPETITORS Hotels and catering service only supply meals. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE I have enough knowledge on all the roads and names of road and places in the Sunyani Township. I have enough experience in customer relations, personal selling skills, and also a graduate in professional marketing skills. I also have much working experience from organizations such as MTN Ghana, Expert Link Microfinance, Big Dreams Microfinance where i ended as the Branch Manager for the Sunyani branch. PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY The use of motor bike will reduce transport cost. Getting about 500 customers a year will increase revenue. Operating under the registered name Sir Wise Business Consult will provide trust to customers. Food stuffs such as Cassava, Plantain, Yam and vegetables are very cheap to buy on the market day. I can combine the sale of the cane products with this business unit when i get the motor bike because I am making good returns from the sale of the cane products. I believe you are positive about this idea. Thank you. I have another one from saving our roads from high way robbery if their aim is to rob for money. Please is 11: 30pm here in Ghana and i am very grateful for you concern. Good night and thank you once again. Wise.

Titus · Teachers A Site, Kenya

Jan 7, 2015

am also a musician so you can download my Niko Upside album for free here www.mdundo.com/a/802

Peter · Nakuru(kiti), Kenya

Jan 7, 2015

I am so happy, thanks to the zidisha loan I was able to complete my academic writing course. I am now looking for clients so that I can start earning from the writing job.

Joseph · Kimende,kiambu,kenya, Kenya

Jan 7, 2015

Hello dear lenders ,wishing all of you a happy blessed new year.My december holiday was very fine and after doing the goats business i managed to get 270$ this was due to that there were some other business people who had ventured into this business and this made the price to come down .I got my capital back and i have reinvested it by buying more lines to supply. With the profits i got i will be enrolling for a driving course this january and the rest i have ordered 100 chicks to add to my business. Thanks very much for your kindness. Regards Joseph comment image

Henry · Bahati Scheme, Kenya

Jan 7, 2015

Thank you so much Zidisha team and lenders i recieved my loan ... am gland i will now storck my business and i believe i will archieve my dreams.

Rabiou · Niamey, Niger

Jan 7, 2015

Zidisha family, I am attaching some photos as an update of how the business is going begining of this year. A small shed has already been constructed and animal feed purchased. The next step will be to buy more sheep from the rural market. And the second round of treatment will hold in two weeks time. I am so thankful to my lenders for their support that allowed me to carry out many promising activities this new year. Happy new year 2015 to everyone! comment image

Awa · Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Jan 7, 2015

Photographie de ma ferme comment image

Victor · Nakuru, Kenya

Jan 7, 2015

I have decided to adjust my instalment to Ksh. 500 because with your help with my first loan i was able to use $40 of the loan to employ a worker who has been helping me with type setting, photo printing and internet services. The amount catered for printing papers, envelops, pens, maintaining and replacement of printer parts including ink cartridges, purchasing of more stock such as printing papers and other stationery that i sell in the business. This has really boosted my business and my monthly profit has shot up by 50%

Wise · Sunyani, Ghana

Jan 7, 2015

Hello Michael, Good morning, I can see my dreams gradualy coming to bee. Since 2011, I started writing down my business ideas and plans in all aspect of living. I have alot of busines ideas. If you wouldn't mind i can share with you many of my busines ideas. This cane business is just one of them. Because i did not have money to begin so i decided to work for companies. Every company i worked for appreciated my hard work but paid very little as low as GHs 400.00, that was when i have obtain the position as the Branch manager in a microfinance company. I see your support as an open door from heavens into my life to fufil my dreams. Thanks very much for your advice. I would not let you down.

Evans Onyango · Nairobi, Kenya

Jan 7, 2015

I have got a new buyer who has accepted to pay a higher price for the fish maws for a short period of time due to a high demand on his market.So I feel it is reasonable to give priority to the loan I have at Zidisha.With the loan I was given I purchased a freezer which has enabled me to keep my fish maws fresh all the time for my clients.I am grateful to My lenders for their continued support to me and I feel I am blessed to have joined Zidisha.I will continue with zidisha forever.I feel very lucky indeed.

Ryan · Meru, Kenya

Jan 6, 2015

Thanks my friend. Despite being miles away you are my best friend. Hope to see you one day comment image

Nicholas Corbett · Toronto, Canada

Jan 6, 2015

I feel honored to say the least, to have a part in your studies and future success. Good luck with your courses and never give up!

Kenneth · Bahati, Kenya

Jan 6, 2015

THANK YOU SO MUCH LENDERS OF ZIDISHA TEAM. my brother now has been able to complete his Diploma in IT through zidisha program, thank you so much for the money you've lend to me, it did so much in my business and am even able to raise the school fees of my two sons too. Thank you

Aristide Soungalo · Banfora, Burkina Faso

Jan 6, 2015

Hello. I'm happy to write you this morning to tell you a bit about how the last loan affected my family. When I received the previous loan, I bought an incubator, I completed the brooder house, and I spent the remainder on feed. What you must remember is what it brought to my daily life. My production increased by 50%, so during the holidays I sold at least 110 chickens at 3,000 francs each and I used the profits to buy clothing for my children, my wife, and I. I was also able to have a great Christmas by having friends and family over, something I haven't done since I started animal raising. That's why I had no trouble paying back the loan. I'm proud of you and I hope to continue working with you. Thank you. comment image

Wise · Sunyani, Ghana

Jan 6, 2015

I visited all my customers yesterday and almost all of them paid me. I was very happy. As at yesterday 5/01/15 only three of my customers could not pay all their debt. But the payment from my customers profited me about 97% of my invested income. I had additional contract from a timber firm to suplly them with 113 hamper buskets on the 1st of January, which made me a profit of about GHc 300.00. Though i spent about GHc 100.00 on transportation, i still made a reasonable income. I think i can call this success. Thanks to Zidisha

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