Training Begins At Kihesa

Today we started our training session at Kihesa.  We hold these sessions twice a year for the leadership of the SACCOS.  The sessions last four days with the first and last day being somewhat shorter than the middle two.  This year we are expecting up to 95 people at our March session. 

The day starts with chai followed by opening statements and greetings.  There were about 50 at this opening.  

Tom gave a greeting followed by Sandy and Itiweni.  Itiweni then spent some time explaining to everyone the relationship between Iringa Hope Joint SACCOS and their SACCOS (The Joint SACCOS is like a central bank while their SACCOS is a local branch bank.), the role of the Micro Finance Institute (It is where they go for help, advice, and training.), and the Co-op Office (It is the government agency where they have to register and submit their finances.).  She made sure everyone is aware of how to get help, how to schedule training and village seminars, and how to report problems before they become big.

The main session today is being given by Malila – the Kilolo District Co-op officer who will soon be promoted to regional officer, and a representative from the Iringa District Cooperative Office.  They talk about the basic laws governing co-ops, what the officers' responsibilities are, etc.  Soon everyone is taking notes and asking questions.  “Can two SACCOS have the same name?”  (No.)  “How long are loans?”  (That is up to your constitution and your members – up to a year for us.)  “What is kiingilio?  (A nonrefundable entrance fee to cover paperwork, etc.)  “What are hisa?”  (Shares in the SACCOS – everyone must own at least one, no one can own more than a few percent.), and so on.

Soon the children were wandering around and getting restless.  Sandy took some over to the Kihesa library for story time.  One little girl helped her little brother who was afraid of us wazungus.  Tom tried to say “hi” – but he cried every time he looked at him.

Back in the lecture room there were mamas feeding their children, some were nursing, and others had children that seemed to be content to just look around a bit.  It is good to see so many women leaders (We tell everyone that each SACCOS must have at least one woman holding an office– and we have never had a problem with this.)  It is also good to see so many children here – especially when everyone seems to include them in our meetings.

We found time to visit with some of the leaders.  We met all of them earlier this year during our village visits. Even those who know very little English find a way to visit.  Itiweni wound up spending much of the day on the phone.  There are some leaders stuck with their buses broken down.  There have been some deaths among leader’s families.  Some people wound up at the University instead of at Kihesa.  In the end Itiweni got it all sorted out.

The leaders from one village came with a problem.  They have been getting their SACCOS started since we visited them earlier this month.  They hoped to arrive early in order to talk with Itiweni, but they went to the University by mistake so they actually arrived just as the meeting was starting.  What was concerning them was the 5,000,000 Tsh they had collected to start their SACCOS (very impressive). They were afraid to leave this large a sum in their village (It is about $3,200.)  and were wondering what they could do?  (You may recall that most rural farmers are unable to open bank accounts.)  

We can’t open a bank account for them yet because we need a registration number to do so.  We decided that we would put their cash into our account and give them a receipt for it.  They were so relieved.  They have been very nervous carrying this much cash.

Because we lack Kiswahili skills, we decided that we didn't need to stick around after lunch, so we went back to our apartment, but the training session continued with classes by the co-op officers until about 5 in the evening. When classes were over Itiweni assigned rooms to everyone (we feed and house everyone for the four days they are here).  In the evening there are opportunities for them to attend group discussions where the new SACCOS leaders can learn from those SACCOS leaders who are familiar with the way a SACCOS works.  Tomorrow the session starts at 8:00.

We greeted the SACCOS leaders as they arrived.

Isn't it funny how the African mama (on the right) wants to dress in American attire and the American mama (on the left) wants to dress as an African!

The leaders arrived carrying their luggage.  They will be here 4 days.

It was good to see all of the mamas and their children.

Sandy gave a greeting to all.

Itiweni explained the relationship between Iringa Hope, USA; the University and the Diocese, the SACCOS, and our central bank, Iringa Hope Joint SACCOS.

Malila gave the class.

Sandy, Peter, and Margaret gave out notepads and pens during the class.  There were about 50 or so present this first day.

Itiweni spent much of the day on the phone fixing problems.

This little girl didn't want Tom to get too close.

This girl helped take care of a little boy.  He was afraid of Tom and cried if Tom looked at him.  (Sandy took them to the library and read a story.)

Sandy and Itiweni conferred on some problems.

We found time to visit with all of the SACCOS leaders.

The leaders of this new SACCOS had come early to see Itiweni, but they went to the University by mistake.

We had a good lunch.

Since we lack Kiswahili skills, we decided that we didn't need to stick around after lunch.