by Michael Hoffman | Dec 23, 2021 | Loans
Our goal with our widows' project in the Upper West Region of Ghana, Africa has always been to empower women to support themselves and their dependent children. In addition to shea butter processing, bread baking, potable water sales, and dry season gardening, women now have the opportunity to receive a small loan that can assist them with an entrepreneurial endeavor of their choosing. In 2019, CWI made an initial investment into this loan program, and we are now seeing the positive outcomes.
In groups of between 6-10, women qualify for a loan and commit to the payment of the loans, plus interest, for the whole group. Once approved, women go through some basic training of what it means to have a loan and how to go about paying it back. If one women defaults, the others are responsible for paying back the principal and interest. This is made possible with a commitment and connection with a local bank, who gives these women loans at a lower rate than they would receive as an individual. It is a win-win. The bank has new account holders, women that would normally never have the ability to have a bank account, and the women receive loans at reduced rates. The interest money goes into an account, which can then be used to issue more loans to more women.
So far dozens and dozens of women have qualified, received, and paid off their loans. Loan amounts range from $40-$80. The women have taken the money and used it to create businesses where they purchase and sell products for a profit at market, grow and sell crops, and other small business type activities. We have been so excited to see how the initial investment has helped to change lives, and look forward to continuing to receive reports of the success stories of these new business owners.
by Michael Hoffman | Dec 23, 2021 | Kenya
In 2021 CWI was presented the opportunity to come alongside another non-profit organization in Colorado. Every Life, Inc., has developed deep roots in the town of Malindi in the southeast part of Kenya, Africa. For almost two decades, Every Life has worked with local Kenyans helping break the cycle of poverty through nursery school support, job creation programs, and school scholarships.
CWI was excited to be able to finance a large capital school improvement project at Ariana's Goodwill Academy. This school gives young learners, who would otherwise have no possibility to attend school the opportunity for an education. The funds raised for this project provided the following:
- Sanitation Facilities
- Teacher's Housing
- 4 Additional Classrooms
- Educational Supplies
While the financial support for these improvements was made by CWI, the work was done by local Kenyans, providing much needed employment for many locals.
by Michael Hoffman | Dec 31, 2018 | Golf
Save the Date
2019 CWI Annual Golf Outing
Monday, August 12, 2019
Geneva National Golf Club
by Michael Hoffman | Dec 29, 2018 | Clinic
2018 was an exciting year as we watched the construction of a medical clinic advance. This clinic, located in Mirebalais, Haiti, was built by local craftsmen, which enabled many craftsmen to earn a living during the building of the clinic. Dedication of the facility took place on August 30, 2018, and the clinic doors were open to the public on September 3. Over 150 patients were seen that day at the clinic, indicating that this will be a well used facility that will meet the medical needs of many.
We are thankful for the many donations that made this facility possible.
by Michael Hoffman | Jan 1, 2018 | Bosco
I first met Bosco in the summer of 2006, when I traveled to Ghana, Africa, to lead workshops in mathematics for Ghanian teachers. John Bosco Bongnea (Bosco) was a member of the Brothers FIC, whose apostolic mission included service to the poor through education. As such, Bosco had connections to different schools that were organized and run by the brotherhood. Through a connection with a college friend, I became acquainted with Bosco, and although I had never met him until the plane on which I traveled landed in Ghana, we quickly became friends.
Children’s World Impact became involved with Bosco when he shared with me a vision for assisting and empowering widows that was laid on his heart. He noticed that there were many women in and around his home village of Ullo, in the Upper West region of Ghana, who had lost their spouse, and were struggling to raise children and sustain themselves. It was this vision that led me to speak with Tyson Ray, founder of CWI. Eventually, CWI adopted the vision, and thus adopted Bosco as a partner in ministry.
I was fortunate to travel to Ghana 2 more times to see the widows’ project as it developed and grew. Each time I stayed with Bosco and got to know him a bit deeper. His heart and concern extended well beyond widows. He was deeply committed to the needs of the poor, marginalized, and particularly the disabled. Whenever we were together, it was very common for him to take a slight detour so that I could meet a disabled young person for whom he had arranged a life altering surgery. It was evident that he was well loved and respected by many! He taught me a great deal about what it means to give to those who have no way of repayment; to give because it is that to which we are all called.
A couple years ago, Bosco was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gherig’s Disease). It was startling news for me, but didn’t alter Bosco’s heart for service. We continued to communicate through e-mail and the occasional phone call, where Bosco would update me on how things were going with the project financed by CWI and how the widows and the communities at large were benefitting. I always inquired about his health, but he was never much interested in that topic, choosing instead to center on ministering to the needy.
Sadly, Bosco died from complications of ALS on November 22, 2017. I learned of his passing right before Christmas. He will be sorely missed, but the lessons I learned from him concerning selfless service will live on.
