M’phika funds success story – funded by the LJMB Foundation
Am pleased to introduce to the world Julida Maliza, the star beneficiary of the M’phika funds and showcase what she has achieved in the last period since joining the foundation. On the picture you will see her with one of the trees that she had just planted as a prerequisite for receiving the loan. In the videos uploaded on my facebook page (technical issues I couldn't upload them here) you will see and hear how successful her kiosk is and the enthusiasm in her which makes me appreciate all the effort/vote of confidence/support that my friends, family and volunteers had vested in me when I embarked on this journey. It is because of them that I today celebrate this success story and hope many more will come. Thank you…
Julida is the first recipient of the M’phika funds loans. She received her loan in February 2020 to open a kiosk in Palamuleni Village. In November 2020, she paid back her loan. Up to this date the kiosk is still up and running with no extra loan requested. She has managed to keep it afloat after paying back the loan for 3 months now.
At the kiosk she sells items like cooking oil, soap, salt, baking soda, cookies amongst other things. Not only is she able to support her family through this kiosk but she has reduced the distance between her village and the next kiosk/grocery. Previously people from Palamuleni village used to walk 4 km to the nearest trading centre (Mwangala) to buy such items. This implies that just for a packet of sugar, the women were losing almost an hour to and fro Mwangala trading centre. By having the kiosk right in their village, they have saved time that they can use for other things. Imagine how frustrating it could be to waste so much time just for a packet of sugar and possibly on a daily basis because you do not have enough funds to buy food in bulk. In Belgrade I have a supermarket right below my apartment. How convenient my life is compared to these women who have other demanding chores to take care of like fetching water and or fire wood. And thanks to Julida through the M’phika Funds, the quality of life for this community has improved, they can access some basic items easily.
Julida Maliza is one of the first members who joined the group in December 2019. She is one of the women I met when I was in Malawi to brainstorm on what I could do to support them so that they could be independent. Ever since she has opened her kiosk, she has never asked me for any financial support as she used to in the past - mutigayileko ya sopo, ya ma units, etc zinathera pompo (give me some money please to buy soap, air time, etc, it has all ended). Her story makes me believe that it is truly important and worth it regardless of the time invested to teach someone how to fish rather than giving them fish. As a foundation, we will continue to look at way on how we can teach more women to fish. And with your support, we can reach more women across Malawi.
...each small step contributes to a better world for all..