Iringa Hope visits 2014: At Ukwega

After leaving Ipalamwa we traveled about 20 kilometers (about 12-13 miles) down the road to Ukwega. Ukwega was a preaching point of Ipalamwa until a few years ago. It is a 30 minute drive between them so it easy to see why they became separate parishes. Arriving in Ukwega we were greeted by a good sized crowd. They were all excited to see us and talk to us and Malila.

When we were here last year they had 43 people interested in forming a SACCOS and they were very excited. One year later they have 61 members and have collected 6,000,000 TZS from savings, sales of shares, and earnings (they earned 200,000 TZS last year by giving some small loans). They have completed all of the paperwork, had their elections certified, and been to two of our training sessions. In two weeks they will be fully registered.

Malila told them that they had done very well in collecting their capital. He told them that he expected that they would be one of the best SACCOS in his area. He reminded them of their responsibilities once they get their certificate.

Peter then reminded them that a SACCOS is not “Lutheran” and that it was open to all who are responsible with their finances. He taught them about the importance of savings and then complimented them on their good start. He went over the rules of the SACCOS and the obligations and privileges of members. Finally he talked about how to plan for and make use of loans.

Following the meeting we sat down with the chairman who told us that the SACCOS made 31 loans last year, averaging 100,000 TZS ($65). They had a 100% repayment rate. This year he thinks they will make over 60 loans. The village chairman was also at the meeting. He is very excited about all of the jobs that the SACCOS members are creating.

We interviewed two of the SACCOS members who had taken out loans. Aniki Duma is 29 and has 3 children. She took out a loan for 100,000 TZS. Using her loan she bought seed and fertilizer for beans. After harvesting the beans and repaying the loan she made a profit of 150,000 TZS ($100). She is using her profits to pay school fees and improve her shamba.

Jeremiah Nosa is 35, married, and has 4 children. He and his wife also support his father, making a family of 7. He took out a loan of 100,000 TZS for his farm. Using his loan together with the money he had he bought seed and fertilizer. Unfortunately he had stomach problems and had to go to the hospital for an operation. He had to hire a helper to weed the field, but he told us he made a profit for the year and is hoping to borrow again. (By the way, his surgery cost about $100.)

After dinner at the pastor’s house we called it a day.

Traveling to Ukwega from Ipalamwa is a very pretty drive.

There was a large groupd gathering (about 70)

Malila was greeted with cheers when he told them he would finish registering them in two weeks.

Peter reminded them that not only Luterans are welcome!

After the meeting Sandy interviewed some members.

Aniki Duma is 29 and has 3 children. She took out a loan for 100,000 TZS.

Jeremiah Nosa is 35, married, and has 4 children. He and his wife also support his father, making a family of 7. He took out a loan of 100,000 TZS for his farm.