Work Update

I guess I've neglected information on my actual work here in Togo. Here's an update:

I'm still teaching English at the high school every Monday and Tuesday. The students are well-disciplined and eager to learn more. One actually asked me for an exam! Hopefully the course will make an impact on their performance taking the BAC in June.

ACM, the Microfinance, and I will be launching a grant proposal to fund our Girls' Student Enterprise Loan Fund. The project will include a week long training "camp", followed by the opportunity to receive a loan without prior savings to start their proposed small income generating activities.

At the bank we are also looking into adding a basic Student Loan service to help those who cannot pay their school fees at the beginning of the year. We will pay the school directly while students and their parents reimburse the bank.

ACM Kara, the PCV in Kara, and I are looking into a large loan to help solve the credit shortage at the bank. There are many clients who want loans, but there isn't always enough to lend. With the new solidarity group method, more capital is needed to fund credit without savings services.

Monthly meetings with those infected with HIV/AIDS in Kabou will continue. This month we will discuss family budgeting. Last month we discussed nutrition and adding Moringa leaves to sauces. Each person took home seeds to start their own Moringa nursery. My six trees are about 2 feet tall after about a month!

On Saturdays, I met with a group of about 10 students interested in learning business skills. After about 10 meetings it is still going strong. The kids are very motivated and are now writing a project plan to bring computers to their high school.

Those are the main things going on in Kabou. Every day is a little bit different so volunteer life is great. I might purchase a TV and antenna so I can watch Champions League matches, EURO 2008, and the upcoming Olympics!