 |
I remember lamenting on Facebook a few months ago about the affects of poverty and just how pervasive it is, in society here, in Tanzania - and indeed most of Africa. The sights of beggars on the streets, students at school with hardly a pencil amongst them, people just one poor harvest away from starvation and poor medical care that just makes you so angry at times, the mud huts, the people just forced to walk everywhere and the lack of access to clean water. It is just in your face everywhere you turn. It is hard not to get depressed about it at times but there is some hope. At least ,for one person at a time, there is an answer and a way out of this cruel trap.
One of the tools that has been so successful in other parts of the third world is introducing Micro-Enterprise, partnered with Community Banking. These two together provide the mechanism for people to slowly reach their way up and out of poverty. It is not a hand-out - much of the aid in places like this actually creates harm - but it is about intentional development. It empowers people to step by step move beyond subsidence level to a life that is actually sustainable. The Community Banking system is the place ,where people can borrow small amounts of capital , to use to start / expand their micro-business. The Bank is also the place where they can deposit their earnings to enable their money to passively work for them.
TRAINING
Training is a key component to both Micro-Enterprise and Community Banking. Each bank or micro group consists of between 5-30 people that keep each other accountable. They provide the capital to the group and decide who receives loans. It is self-managing. In this environment, group training and mentoring occurs. We will teach modules that enable those involved to grow in understanding, initially concentrating a lot on character issues and the basics of money. Topics are taught slowly and at basic levels until people have been through a number of modules where some more advanced concepts can be introduced. As people become more knowledgable and experienced they learn business topics that enable them to grow their micro-enterprise into a genuine small business, employing others and starting to become a contributor to the community. The training has a strong emphasis on social responsibility, integrity and character at its heart. We certainly do not want to grow and equip more corrupt people to enhance an often already corrupt structure.
The longer-term goal (3 years) is to develop the modules to a level that they become the basis for an African business school, continuing to train those who have advanced through the Community Banking and Micro-Enterprise modules, and also taking on others who can fit straight into a first year tertiary course. One of our passions is to trains thousands of business people of sound ethic and heart, who can impact the way business is conducted in Africa.
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
Our Charitable Company, East Africa Development Limited will provide the management and training resources for the Community Banking and Micro-Enterprise. In addition, our aim is to enhance the progress being made through micro-enterprise by offering logistical support to the businesses being established. Our objective is to:
- Source raw materials, knowledge, expertise and equipment they would otherwise not gain access to,
- Develop a micro-enterprise label and market this to larger and more affluent markets (both in Africa and overseas),
- Assist with distribution of products and services,
- Provide quality control to enable customers to have confidence in what they are purchasing.
This logistical support adds a multiplier effect to the initiative of the local people. It actively places us as a company who bridges the gap between the developing fledgling businesses and the established business community and consumer beyond.
SLIME
 You read what? Yes SLIME is our first commercial activity for East Africa Development Ltd (EAD). SLIME is the leading tyre sealant product in the world. Essentially it is a liquid that fixes punctures and their range of products are simply amazing. Punctures are a significant problem, due to the quality of the roads and the huge thorns we have. Punctures are also more than just an inconvenience in Tanzania - they can be dangerous - leaving you stranded in remote places - and no AA to call. We have the rights to distribute SLIME in Tanzania and believe this opportunity is a wonderful launch into the commercial environment here.
Many people question the importance or even the 'ethics' of a Mission becoming involved in business activity. Engaging in commercial activity is important to us for the following reasons:
- Involves us in one of the most important sectors of society, the business environment.
- It is a key component to overcoming poverty, creating jobs and training personnel.
- Profits from the commercial activity can fund other high priority areas such as medical work, teacher training, micro-enterprise, pastors college etc.
- The business becomes a training ground and model for those involved in miro-enterprise and the business college (in the future).
- We contribute to much needed infrastructure.
- The possibility exists to model a new way of conducting business that challenges the status quo and raises the standards of operation.
There are a number of other opportunities we are investiagting - watch this space.
To find out more on SLIME, check out www.slime.com
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Our strategic move into the business arena has been very challenging and exciting, and promises to usher in a new sphere of opportunity for Mission. Each business venture and charitable work requires funds. We are very keen to partner wth people who may wish to invest capital with us, knowing this is about more than just financial return but returns that are eternal in nature - bringing about a real change in people and society. We welcome discussion on both philanthropic and commercial investment. Please contact us through our website or on africanpurposeteam@gmail.com.
For other news:-
|
 |
