Micro-enterprise is up and running. Meet our first five clients.

I am delighted to introduce the first clients in our micro-enterprise scheme. They have each been awarded One Million Leones (£140) to get their own businesses off the ground.  This will help them to serve their communities and be able to provide for their families in a sustainable way.

Abu Sesay

Abu is a 57 year old man, who describes himself as a petty trader. He is married to Nyamday and together they support six children and dependents. He lives in Looking Town and is selling basic domestic items which will save people from having to walk long distances to purchase them. Finance generated will help to educate his children.

Fatamata Conteh

Fatamata (30) lives in Wellington and is married with two children, Hassan and David. She has been in business for the last eight years and has used the loan to purchase equipment to aid in keeping produce cool until needed for her small food outlet.

Emmanuel Conteh

Emmanuel (45) is by trade a Mason who for eight months has run a small cafe, mainly selling cold drinks, in Lunar Street, Kissy. He already had a freezer and crates for storing the drinks, but needed extra tables and chairs to expand the business. Married to Margaret, a seamstress, they have three children, Francis, Jane and Samuela. He hopes that the business will help him to take care of his family and "help some of the immediate needs of the community".

Ramatu Bangura

Ramatu lives in Beccle Street Wellington and describes herself as a petty trader selling items from her home for the local community. She has been doing this for six years and hopes that the loan will enable her to better serve the people by carrying a wider selection of stock and also enable her to meet the basic needs of her family. She has a husband, James, and  five children.

Sama Williams

Sama (60) has been in business for eight months selling basic food condiments. She has some equipment - a table, measuring bottles, pans and cups - but needs a better stock of condiments. Asked how the loan will benefit her she said, "It will help me as bread winner of the family to pay fees for my children and take care of my home. My community will no longer have to walk half a mile to the market."  She supports her husband, three children and a nephew.

It is really good to hear these stories and to know that our generous benefactors are changing lives so dramatically through their giving.  Our grateful thanks go to them.