>>> June 2009

Microenterprise Development - How does it work anyway?

Seraphan Anihilissie, who is responsible for ICDI's Central African MED program, took the time to interview Yvonne, who is the leader of one of the fifteen micro-credit groups who have started projects through ICDI's program. She leads a group "KPIGBA NA MABOKO" which literally means "hard hands" but refers to their willingness to work hard. This group buys produce grown in small villages 150-200km outside of Bangui, trucks it into and re-sells it in the city

Seraphin: Could you tell us how receiving the MED credit loan has affected you?
Yvonne: First I'd like to give ICDI a big thank you for the work they are doing in the Central African Republic. Since I received the credit loan, I've been able to help my family financially from the money I earn from my sales. Before this loan, I really didn't have much money at all.


Seraphin: Can you tell me exactly how this has changed the way you live?
Yvonne: Many things have changed in the way I live, and I can tell you this - today, because of the ICDI credit, I have the ability to buy and sell larger amounts of produce, which allows me to pay for school for my children. You can see in front of you all the variety of items that I have available for sale. Because of this loan, I now can make 10,000-20,000 CFA ($20-$40 USD) on market day - that used to be my income from a whole month.

Seraphin: Is there anything else you want to share?
Yvonne: I'd like to say thank you again to the people who work for ICDI as well as the people in the United States who give to us through ICDI. I'd also like to ask ICDI to consider increasing the amount of the MED loans, which would be even better for us. There isn't anyone else here who's doing this, except for banks, but banks only give loans to important people - not to people in hard times like us. ICDI is the only one giving us a hand. And I have another question too.

Seraphin: What's your question?
Yvonne: Some other women from my neighborhood have been asking me how they can get a credit loan as well - can they go to ICDI to request a loan also?

Seraphin: Thank you Yvonne. ICDI has been giving out credit loans for two years, and we don't have a lot of money dedicated to this project, but we do have a lot of people submitting applications for the loans.
Yvonne: Thank you for visiting our group and for taking our picture - maybe you can send me a copy of the picture?

ICDI has given out 1,500,000 CFA in MED loans ($3,000 USD) divided among 15 different groups. Each group consists of three to six memebers. Right now that means each group receives about $200 USD, which only allows for very small projects - hopefully we'll be able to increase that amount in the future. What kinds of projects are these loans for? Besides the KPIGBA NA MABOKO group's produce re-sale project, there are groups that raise goats, pigs, or chickens, groups with produce gardens, groups with plant nurseries, groups that make soap to sell, as well as several groups with small kiosks where they sell items in the market. The groups must present a project proposal and be accepted before they receive funding. They are then responsible to pay back the loan, with interest, within 1 year. The money is then available for another loan, and helps to get another group's project off the ground!

Hard working Central African families wish for an opportunity to get ahead through entrepreneurial small business enterprise. You can help by providing additional funding for this program. Every dollar you give to ICDI’s microenterprise development program will be turned around into life giving loans. You can give online or by sending your gifts to ICDI, PO Box 247, Winona Lake, IN 46590.

Do you get the Feed? How about FaceBook?

Did you know that this newsletter is not the only news available from ICDI? Regular updates are posted to ICDI's "news" section of the web page. An RSS feed is available for those of you who use an RSS reader, or you can simply link your email address to the web page and you'll receive a brief email notice whenever there's a new article posted. To link your email address, either click here, or go to the ICDI "News" link on the home page. In the middle of the page above the news articles, you'll see a link to register your email address to receive the news feed via email. You can unsubscribe anytime you like.

ICDI also has an official FaceBook Page that’s really busy with news updates, pictures, and video, as well as the chance to meet and chat with other ICDI “Fans” from all over the world – 14 countries so far! Did you know that an ICDI African Arts & Craft shop opened in Indiana last week, or that there was a car wash in Ohio giving a percentage of their sales to ICDI? You do if you’re an ICDI FaceBook Page fan! You can find us by searching the Pages section of FaceBook for the “ICDInternational” page or send us an email to info@ICDInternational.org and we’ll get you more details. Stop by, say “hello!” and post your favorite comment, picture or video about ICDI’s work in Africa.

Heard of GoodSearch?

Take a moment to check out www.goodsearch.com - a website that turns your web searches into donations for ICDI. You can install their toolbar, or else just bookmark the GoodSearch webpage - then whenever you need to do a search online, use their page (it's powered by Yahoo!). For each search you make, GoodSearch will donate an estimated $.01 to ICDI! There's also a shopping section to their webpage, which not only gives you links to great deals and coupons from some of your favorite web stores (Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, Ebay, etc) but if you shop at these sites by clicking on the GoodSearch link to them, up to 30% of your purchase will be donated to ICDI. Before you make your next online purchase, see if you can do it through the GoodSearch Shop! We already have a few people doing this, and every little bit helps!