This morning we took a short, ten minute drive to
Mkwawa. Mkwawa lies on the other side of
Iringa, just past the Danish book store and down a dirt road. The church is an attractive brick building that
is undergoing some upgrades. Next to it
sits a huge new church that they are building.
“The old church will hold a bit over two hundred while the new church
will easily hold a thousand” said Upendo Koko, pastor. It has been under construction for 8 years
now. The church has 1050 adult members spread
over the main church plus 3 preaching points.
The Mkwawa SACCOS was started in 2006 by the members of the
church. Over the years it has been
funded by their savings, share prices, and the interest on loans. Currently the SACCOS has $2,500 in capital
provided by its 29 members (17 women and 12 men). Being less rural than most other SACCOS the members
are more “business people” than farmers.
(The definition of business people includes many members who are raising
livestock by their homes.)
We met with the pastor and discussed our visit first and
then went over to meet with some of the SACCOS members. On the way we saw hundreds of kids. “This is the Saturday class for children in
need. These children are living with
grandparents, distant relatives, etc.
They come here on Saturday for singing, classes, play time, and lunch.” Tom wanted to hand out candy but with so many
children he just did not know how to start!
Ten of the members had shown up for our visit. The pastor explained that the rest were
working today (We came on a Saturday because this church being urban would most
likely have many members who could not leave work during the week.). We greeted them, introduced ourselves and
explained the reason for our visit. Then
Itiweni gave her class on the rights and responsibilities of SACCOS members. Following her presentation the members raised
several questions that were answered by Itiweni. One member wanted to know if anyone could
call for an audit (the answer is yes, if enough members agree). Another one wanted to know if they can take
people’s collateral if necessary (again the answer is yes). A third wanted to know if it was alright to
join a SACCOS only to save money (certainly!).
Tom closed with a prayer and we met with the leaders.
Despite having started in 2006 this SACCOS does not have a constitution.
It seems that they have been following the
correct procedures for years – still they really wanted to make sure they were
doing what they should be doing (We will give them a copy of a constitution to
vote on during our upcoming training session.).
We sat and discussed their experience with them. They have had 100% repayment
on loans for several years now. We were
told that at one time there were members who didn’t pay and the SACCOS took their
savings, their collateral, and made their guarantors pay any outstanding loans. This has happened in less than 1 or 2% of their
loans, but they have always gotten paid.
They also revoke membership of anyone who does not pay. This is a very big incentive for people to be
prompt. Right now there are 2 members
who are taking extra time to pay – but they will pay more interest to do this. We were impressed that they took these
actions. They were surprised that anyone
would consider doing anything else!
We talked awhile about their need for capital. Currently they have ten members who want to
join – but they will not let them join until they have more capital or unless
they agree to use their SACCOS only to save money. “We really need another 12,000,000 Tsch
(about $8,000) to be able to cover the needs of our existing members plus these
new ones. We would like to get some help
from our partner parish – but we are reluctant to ask them. They have been so good to us already.”
We told them that it was their decision and complemented
them on their excellent management of their SACCOS. They have joined the Iringa Hope Joint
SACCOS. Their Treasurer has been chosen
as an officer. They were clearly very
proud of this.
As we broke up we went to talk to some members. One member, Peti Sovelo, 50, has 6 children
and has been a member of this SACCOS for some time now. He told us he has been a member for a number
of years and has benefited greatly. This
past year has been difficult for him. He
took out a loan for $265 to plant vegetables and raise pigs at his home. The vegetables did very poorly due to a
drought – still he salvaged what he could and paid back $200 so far. The remaining $65 (plus interest) he will pay
over the next two months as he sells some of the pigs. “It was difficult when the vegetables did
poorly, but I never considered not making my payments. I had promised to do this and I have.”
We also talked to Tula Mnyawami, 76, a widow with 6 grown
children. She has 3 of her grandchildren
living with her. Last year she took out
a loan for $70. She took this money,
together with some she had saved, and bought 100 chickens so that she could sell
eggs. After the chickens grew up and
started laying eggs she was able to get $14/week ($7 profit) from the eggs they
laid. Things were looking pretty good
until thieves broke into her house while she was at a funeral and stole the
chickens. “I will finish paying back my
loan next month” she proudly told us. “I
never considered not paying it in full – I owed it and I will pay it.” She hopes that after she finishes paying her
loan back she can get another one and try raising chickens again!
We gave Tula a ride back to her house and she gave us a tour.
Her home is spacious and in the living
room she has pictures on display. Tula started teaching in 1956 and retired in the
1990’s. Her husband was the first
General Secretary of the Iringa Diocese.
We chatted in English and were impressed by the English language skills
of this elderly woman. We looked over the
area where her chickens had been living before thieves stole a good share of
her livelihood.
We were very impressed by the people at Mkwawa – hard working,
honest, and very proud of what they are accomplishing! Asante sana Mkwawa!
The existing church was having some brick work done.
There were hundreds of children there for classes. Tom did not know how to start handing out candy - so he didn't!
Ten of the members showed up for the class.
Peti Sovelo, 50, has 6 children and has been a member of this SACCOS for some time now.
We also talked to Tula Mnyawami, 76, a widow with 6 grown children.
We took her to her house. She has 3 of her grandchildren living with her.
She had 100 chickens in this area laying eggs when thieves scaled the wall and stole them while she was at a funeral. I looked around and counted three left.
Sandy and Tula looked at some old pictures from when she was a teacher.
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