In 2015, Manna Microfinance had less than $1,000 in loans distributed to women trying to establish and grow businesses. Today, that figure is $33,865.
It has been a long, arduous journey but AID’s small loans initiative is on the brink of reaching self-sustainability through profit reaped from loan interest.
Manna Microfinance began in 2011 but it took a long time to take root due to conflict and instability in South Sudan. Furthermore, were it not for Somalia, South Sudan would be the most corrupt country in the world. Running a microenterprise scheme in such a climate of dishonesty and bribery is accompanied by considerable challenges. This is why Manna Microfinance has the compassion and integrity of Jesus Christ as its foundation as staff aim to live according to the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 8:21 – ‘For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.’
It is our prayer that as this vital project goes from strength to strength, its Christian basis will witness to the fact that God blesses our work when we live according to His perfect principles.
In 2016, local staff took over the management of Manna Microfinance with ongoing technical support from Tabitha Muthui, AID’s Fundraising and Communications Manager based in East Africa. Since then AID has given regularly to ensure that Manna can progress towards self-sustainability – the current loan circulation of $33,865 is bringing forth a monthly profit of $700-800. The number of women participating in the project has increased from less than 100 in 2015 to 216 women in 2019 and the tentative target is to serve 300 women by the end of this year.
Manna’s current expenses amount to $1,100 per month, including a wage bill of $500 for five staff. Please join us in praying that interest will continue to grow steadily so that this whole amount can be covered by profit made on loan repayments. This will mean that contributions from AID can be used to invest in professional training for women to take their businesses even further.
