What We Have Found

Yesterday we gave a summary of what we have found as we visited the SACCOS.  We held it in a large classroom at the University.  There were about 40 people in the audience including local co-op officials, representatives from the financial community, SACCOS leaders, and representatives of the university and the diocese.  

Tom reviewed the program, where we are at currently, and where we hope to go.  Even though we had visited all of the villages and met with the leaders and members, it was still hard to believe the results we found.  

A little over a month ago Tom made some estimates.  He based these on the first half dozen or so visits we had made.  Now we have completed all of our visits and can see how good our estimates were.  Here are the numbers:

Total Membership:                    Estimated – 1,541

                                                Actual – 1,766

Total number of family members benefiting from loans:           Estimate – 12,580

                                                                                           Actual – 10,243

Total number of children sent to school from loan profits:        Estimate – 2,550

                                                                                           Actual – 2,296

At the time Tom made these estimates we found it hard to believe that this project could be affecting so many people –so it was easy to shrug at the numbers.  Now that we have been around the villages and seen the people it is truly hard to imagine – even after seeing them all!

If you would like to read the summary that we shared with the group you can find it at:

Iringa Hope Update 2013

It was a beautiful day at the University.

First everyone had chai.

Then Tom gave an update on what we had found in our visits.

Bishop Mdegala gave his thoughts.

Provost Dr. Bangu gave a brief talk.

Don Fultz from Bega Kwa Bega gave a brief message.

It is hard to believe all of the people that Iringa Hope is helping.

Asante Sana Everyone! (Thank You)