Not a day without a bit of excitement… We spent a lovely day out in the rural areas of Muko and Ikumba, visiting some of the women’s groups that have benefited from Obumwe Microfinance Progamme loans – wonderful success stories of how they have repaid their loans and used the profits to reinvest and grow their income.

We also visited New Generation Nursery and Primary School where we were warmly welcomed and wonderfully entertained by the pupils. After a longer than expected day we realised one of the cars had given up the ghost and the men remained at Ikumba District Centre while the ladies were brought home in the remaining car. George has now returned with a mechanic to pick our lads up and hopefully repair the car!

A recount by Ellese:

“Walking through a beautiful forest we ventured into the valley to visit the Bakyara Mukatoma Tumanyane’s rented land where through the help of the Obumwe project they had potato and cabbage crops. We were invited back to the parish house where the women’s group had put on a fantastic feast for us and the members of the group, with plates piled high we introduced ourselves.

After a lovely chat with the group and learning more of their achievements and other projects, we were honoured to receive beautiful handmade gifts from the group as a thank you. Although not a long visit we were truly privileged to have met this fantastic group and to have been able to learn of their hard work and determination to succeed in their project. As a final goodbye we had traditional singing and dancing from all members of the group, which as always was brilliant.”