Update: November 2009
Education Program
In August, Samfya Community of Care Providers (SCCP) held a workshop for 12 graduates to encourage them as they look for careers and ways to support themselves. Thirty-one students attended the first workshop. SCCP is looking for ways to help those who did well in school continue their education.
During the Zambian school holiday, SCCP tutors assessed student’s literacy level and focused on extra lessons in English in the mornings and other subjects in the afternoons for any student in Grade 1-9 who would attend. There was an average attendance of 124 students each day during the holidays! The children were extremely eager to learn.
SCCP utilized volunteer help from 4 young men, who were previously sponsored by SCCP to attend Teacher’s College and have now graduated. These gentlemen have come with new ideas and understanding of how they can help the SCCP students succeed.
Home Based Care Program
In June of 2009 a visiting medical team conducted training for the Care Providers. Twenty individuals were able to attend this training which focused on a variety of topics including, vital signs, physical therapy, STDs and wound care. At the end of the training each of the Care Providers was out-fitted with a simple medical kit to assist them with their home visits.
During the next 2 months each care provider received one on one training to reinforce the workshop. All the care providers greatly appreciated the training and believe they can offer much more help to their clients.
In addition to this exciting advancement, the Micro-Loan governing committee also agreed to accept Home Based Care Clients into their loan program. This will have a huge impact on their livelihood as they can begin to work to provide for their family.
Micro Loan Program
Mid way through 2008, 220 business loans were given out to families on the Micro Loan Program. These 220 loans represent the largest loan capital given out by the program to date. The repayment rate on this block of loans will provide the most credible indicator of the programs acceptance and potential sustainability.
To date 4 Churches have 100% repayment with the overall repayment rate currently at 71 percent. This repayment rate should increase significantly by the default deadline and the program should see an average repayment rate between 85% and 95%.
No other SCCP initiative has had the transformative power of the micro loan program. In just a few years, this program has brought hope and prosperity to hundreds of families that just a short while ago were considered as some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
By incorporating the micro loan program as part of its ministry outreach, the Church of Samfya has proven its capacity to effectively tackle the poverty crisis.
Update: November 2007
Overview: The month of October has seen the initiation of services to Home Based Care clients and the startup of the 2008 school uniform manufacturing by local tailors. The activities related to the 2007 education program are coming to an end and students are now in the process of preparing for their examinations. The maize meal distribution continues as scheduled and the micro loan expansion program is advancing through the design phase for 2008.
Home Based Care Activities: The Home Based Care Program was initiated in this month. Twenty of the former Care Providers were given 3 days of refresher training in counseling and care for HIV+ clients. The Care Provider’s role varies depending on the client. Some of the services that they provide include, weekly home visits, basic first aid, pickup and delivery of prescriptions and food rations, and referrals to the local clinic or hospital.
Education Program: All distributions related to the education program is complete. The schools are now in their last month of teaching and students in grade 7, 9 and 12 are all in the process of writing their qualifying examinations. One alteration to the 2008 education program is the manufacturing of school uniforms using local tailors as opposed to purchasing uniforms from outside the area. This change was adopted in an attempt put more cash into the Samfya economy. At this time, only the grades 1-7 uniforms are being made locally. If it is found that the tailors can meet a high quality standard, then the tailoring program will be expanded to all grades in 2009.
Micro Loan Program: The design phase of the Micro Loan Expansion Program is coming to a close. During the last week of October, The Board and Bright Hope team sat down to develop the basic structure of the 2008 Loan program. In the second week of November, All Church partners will sit down to a 3 day planning workshop during which the details of this Church run loan program will be developed. By the end of November, an implementation manual for a church run program will have been developed.
