Musanze Shares Impact of Savings Bonus
The beginning of our long journey back to Kigali made me think of the lyrics to Toto’s “Africa” today when the rain was pouring down on the van. An hour in, we made an important stop to see our women’s group in Musanze where the Silverback Gorillas live. Last year we visited this group for the first time and gave them a $400 savings bonus.
The group used the money to give small loans to start businesses. We learned each woman contributes 3000 Rwandan francs weekly to group savings and they pay back their loans. The next step will be personal savings but this is incredible progress off of a savings bonus!
Anathasie, the acting President used the money to sell potatoes. Then she added on fish and now she is raising 5 chickens that she will eventually sell.
Penine sells potatoes. She says, “My family has food now. I have lotion for my kids. I don’t have any problems in my family now. I’m good because I’m working now.”
Every woman who received some of the savings bonus is now able to pay school fees and books on time for their children.
Today, 33 women received a $100 AWHI microloan and they are excited for the next step! Before wrapping up our visit, we shared the puzzle activity with them where the women choose a piece and read the scripture on the back to the group. We can tell a few puzzle enthusiasts in the making will probably spend the next day or two completing the puzzle!
Earlier in the day, we visited their children and read the story of Jonah and the Big Fish. We also colored together and enjoyed a snack. They especially liked the lollipops!
Having visited many groups in the last 2 years, our team is now able to distinguish the varying degrees of impact from a savings bonus and yet again after microloans. As their businesses grow, you can see the progress more and more. Their confidence grows, their smiles get bigger and the improvements extend from the family to the community. It is truely remarkable to watch.
After a quick bite to eat, it was time to make the trek back to Kigali. At this point in the trip, the full AWHI and AHI teams always share a last supper in fellowship to celebrate all the progress our women have made, our special partnership and friendship and the blessings that are yet to come.
Before this trip, the enemy tried to strike most of us but we put on the full Armor of God, stood together and became God’s army so we could carry out His will.
Tomorrow we will spend our last day worshipping together at Hermon Church before we prepare for the long journey home.
-Jenn (Mutimukeye)
(Left to Right) Sandrine, Antoinette from Nyamata, Heidi, Liz, Jenn, Miriam, Stephen, Pastor Eric from Kimisagara, Pastor Gerard and Pastor Oscar from Kimironko.