We delivered 98 clean cookstoves to the isolated rural community of Megere on May 11.
There was an added twist – we initiated a community-based and administered microfinance program which will provide a continuing and growing base of community entrepreneurship, further enhancing the growth of the community.
Our innovative and clever Himalayan Partners and Associates; Sarita and Ian Wall (“Off the Wall Trekking”) set up a very simple community based program.
Each family that receives a stove contributes 300NR to a community fund administered by the Mother’s Group (part of our overall program philosophy that recipients must make a “contribution” to the cost of the stove so that they have “commitment” and “ownership” in the program and are not just receiving a “gift” from a foreign donor).
The mother’s group solicits requests from community members for business development loans and decides which loan requests to grant. The loans support existing enterprises, or allow new ones to start. When the loans are repaid (with interest) the fund expands and further loans are granted. The mother’s group oversees the entire process.
In addition to changing and transforming the lives of individuals and families, one clean cookstove at a time, this innovative microfinance program helps to build the financial base of the entire community, from within.
Sarita and Ian (and we) will closely monitor this program, and refine it as appropriate.
We’re encouraged by the initial, enthusiastic, reception.
What a joyous and inspiring occasion
This community is up (and then down) a steep and twisting 4wd only road – this last 23 km bit took 2-1/2 bone-jolting hours.
The Himalayan Stove Project was the first “outside” aid, ever, to this 150 home community.
We’re changing and transforming the lives of individuals, families and communities.
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