Formed a partnership with a village women's group for the launch of a new business program

One of my key objectives for this trip was to identify a local organization I could partner with to move forward with an ongoing, sustainable micro-enterprise training program for village women. This is not quite as simple as it sounds. Any work in the villages must be supported by the tribal chiefs and earning their respect and trust is usually something that takes quite a bit of time.  There is also the issue of satisfying the government by being a charity registered in their country – not to mention having the relationships with the village people themselves before they trust your activities. I had met with several potential individuals and organizations however was feeling somewhat discouraged. As we all know, it is often the most random moments which lead to the greatest outcomes. This was one of these moments. I was idly standing in line outside a bank and entered into conversation with a young American woman. I casually asked if she was in Tanzania volunteering or to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (typically the two reasons why people visit). Her response was “No, actually I started an organization that provides support and education to women in very poor and remote villages.” You can only imagine my delight at her response. Amanda first travelled to Tanzania in 2010 to volunteer for a couple of months. She has never left. During a public health presentation to women in the village of Newlands she was very upset that the male translators refused to read out questions the women had about their bodies and reproductive systems.  They are restricted from learning even the most basic information about their own health and bodies. The next day she returned and walked through the village with a megaphone yelling “Womens meeting at the umbrella tree – 4 pm”. That was the start of a women’s group (Tusaidiane) that has now grown to over 90 members.  They meet regularly to find ways to support each other and improve the standard of living – for themselves and for their children’s future.  Amanda works tirelessly to bring medical aid and community resources to the village to help empower the women.

Check out other updates from the most recent visit back to East Africa (spring/summer 2014):

Witnessed how our impact has led to the development of over 2,000 businesses in just four years
Learned from the experiences of a successful NGO in Kenya (Village Enterprise)
Reviewed progress with our 'Freshi n Safi' microfranchisees
Delivered gifts to the orphans at Kilimanjaro Kids Centre