By John S. Kavyavu | Project Leader
Thanks to You, Some Good News!
In this issue:
Maman Musa’s Road to Recovery
Maman Musa became a widow in January of 2011, at age 32 when her husband was assassinated by the military in Eastern DR Congo. Maman’s husband, a money exchanger in the town of Butembo, had just returned home from visiting his wife in the hospital. Maman’s husband was in bed the night three military men broke into their house, and locked three of the family’s children and babysitter in the kitchen. After robbing Maman’s husband, the men shot him in front of their fourth child, a 6 year old boy.
Living far from her parent’s family with four children to take care of, Maman Musa began continuing the work of her husband; borrowing money from money-lenders, changing it at a minimal profit, and returning it within a short time period. Despite her hard work, she was barely able to feed her family, and her hopes to send her children to school gradually faded.
Maman Musa poses with three of her children, while one daughter is in school
When a local website published her story, Pro-Microfinance DR Congo staff contacted her to offer her training and loan services. After hearing her story from a conversation with PMI Chief Executive Director, one of our donors made a pledge of $200 contribution towards Maman Musa’s business. In March 2011 she got the $ 200 and now Maman Musa is financially stable and all her children are going to school. Maman Musa, was able to transform her situation from housewife dependent on her husband, and victim of the war in DR Congo, to a successful entrepreneur supporting her family. This is just one of the many success stories PMI has co-created thanks to your support.
Happy Hour for Humanity
A “Happy Hour for Humanity” organized by Brianne Dornbush was held at the Getaway Bar and Restaurant in Washington DC, for Pro-Microfinance International on Tuesday 26th, 2011. A portion of the of sales from drinks at the bar were donated to PMI.
The event lasted four hours, and was the first event of its kind in the DC area. Both long-time supporters of Pro-Microfinance as well as new faces, attended; this was an opportunity for both the Getaway Bar and Restaurant and Pro-Microfinance to gain new supporters. Pro-Microfinance wishes to thank everyone who attended and made the event a success, and sends a huge thanks to Brianne for all her work in making it happen.
Top and bottom: PMI Board members and supporters at the Getaway Bar and Restaurant, Washington DC
We invite you to become a monthly donor to PMI. Recurring donations are simple to set up, and can be cancelled at any time. By setting up your regular gift by Direct Debit on PayPal, we will be able to help even more small business owners in DR Congo work their way out of poverty:
To make a tax-deductible donation please go to:
or send a check to:
Pro-Microfinance International
7777 Maple Ave #208
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Thank you for your generosity and continued support for the women and families in DR Congo. Our success is a result of your united efforts.
Gratefully,
John Syauswa,
Founder & CEO, ProMicrofinace International
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