Project Description:

To build the capacity of Garifuna women to lead their families and communities to increased well-being, including better health and higher incomes, through microcredit access and business management training.

This five year project will improve the quality of life and standard of living of families in marginalized communities in Honduras through the promotion of women’s education, leadership, health and economic development.

This project provides weekly business classes to women in marginalized communities; it utilizes weekly classes to train women in financial management (including budgeting and savings) and family health matters; and, it also promotes business growth through access to microloans.

Update from the field: December 2011

During the 2011 programming period, a total of 117 women in both regions – the municipalities of Iriona and Esparta – participated in the Business Development training program. Topics studied in the classes include: administration, investment, the market, cost-effectiveness, and others. The Business Development component has enjoyed high participation levels and attendance. As part of their training, women accumulate personal savings in order to promote regular savings that will strengthen financial security. As of September, the total savings amount accumulated in the Business Development component was $2,101 (Lps. 39,887) during this reporting period.

In addition to the Business Development course, the micro-lending component of the program has also expanded significantly. As of March 2011, 9 solidarity groups consisting of 51 women were receiving micro loans. All 9 groups were located in the Iriona region. However with continued support and encouragement from local promoters, as well as the introduction of the program in the new region Esparta, by September 2011 the total number of solidarity groups increased from 9 to 25 groups. With 55 new women receiving micro loans, this brings the total number of loan recipients to 106 women, demonstrating an increase of more than 100%. Of these 25 solidarity groups; 15 groups of 65 women are established in Iriona, and 10 groups of 41 women in Esparta.

As of September, the total amount that CAUSE Canada distributed to the groups was $25,802.63 (Lps. 490,250.00), and solidarity groups have been punctual in their loan repayments, registering a default rate of 1%. Due to the success of loan repayments, all 25 solidarity groups received loan renewals during this reporting period.

This program is of the utmost importance for the women involved. The knowledge and skills acquired from the Business Development curriculum and solidarity group trainings, as well as the support of local staff, instill confidence in these women to take on new challenges and expand their businesses. Among the businesses that participant women launched are: sale of sweet breads; processing and sale of cassava; gasoline, diesel, and propane sales; small stores; eateries; fishing; and clothing sales.


Update from the field: April 2011

There were 56 women participating in the program in late 2010. There were four new solidarity groups formed. Two groups from Cusuna have decided not to renew their loans until 2011. A solidarity group in Iriona Viejo, consisting of 5 women, reformed in July. This group stopped renewing their loans during the coup, but continual communication with the local staff encouraged the women to continue with their micro-enterprises. Approximately $7,220 was disbursed as new loans or loan renewals.

Community meetings were held in two new Garifuna communities, Sangrelaya and Cocalito, in order to investigate interest for the business communities there.  Attendance and interest among the women in these communities was high. The loan program will also be expanded in early 2011 to include the municipality of Esparta on the north coast of Honduras.
 

Update from the field: May 2010

The political crisis in Honduras last year did impact CAUSE Canada programming in the country, and in particular slowed the business activity of many participants.  The country is getting back on track, but the level of business confidence is still lower than before the crisis.  There are 26 participants organized in business development groups for training in two communities this year, and 57 women with microloans are organized into 13 solidarity groups.  When asked what she would say to others who have not yet joined the business development program, a current participant named Vita emphasized that through the program she learned how to better manage her money and it has helped her improve her living standard. Vita hopes that the other women currently in the program understand as much as she does that the program is worth the effort. Last week Vita and several other women were invited to share their experiences in the loan program with a solidarity group in the community of San Jose de la Punta. The experience was a positive one, leaving all the women motivated and ready to work harder at their businesses. And to the Canadians helping to make the micro-loan program possible here in Honduras, Vita says thank you and please continue helping. You are making a difference! 

Update from the field: March 2009

The wafting smell of fresh bread is a treat to anyone who visits Miriam Ruiz in the small coastal community of Ciriboya, Honduras.  For many years, Miriam has been baking and selling traditional breads as a supplementary source of income.   

With many years of practical small-scale business experience behind her, Miriam joined CAUSE Canada’s Business Development Classes to enhance her knowledge and gain access to small micro-loans.  Through attending classes and discussing with other female business owners, Miriam realized that she could utilize a micro-loan, starting at $50 CDN, to negotiate a lower rate for bulk goods brought in from the city.  Miriam is a member of one of CAUSE Canada’s first solidarity groups where she works together with other local women access small loans by co-signing to guarantee loan repayment. 

Miriam is currently on her second loan and is a great example of the impact that a small loan can have on increased profit margin.  Since having the funds to purchase in bulk, Miriam’s income has increased by 20%—the equivalent of $17 CDN.  Furthermore, Miriam is able to earn four times her monthly interest charge in only one half day of baking and selling.   

Not only does Miriam enjoy the new profits from her micro-loans, she also loves meeting and discussing success and challenges with the women in her group—she has even found additional buyers in the process!