Who Benefits?

• Graduates of the Vocational Training Center who have earned certifications in tailoring, carpentry, tin work, jewelry and other skills. They are ready to begin a business, employ others, and share with their communities.
• Sponsored women who have demonstrated an aptitude for business. These women long to stand on their own two feet. They dream of improving living conditions for their families and paying school fees for their children. They are willing to work hard gardening, baking, weaving, some operate small stores.
• Village Savings and Loans (VSL’s) that make loans to their club members, friends, and neighbors. These VSL’s help launch the businesses, then they provide financial skills training to help ensure success. When the loans are repaid each club member earns a share of the interest charge. Everyone has a stake in the success of the business, the entire community benefits.

How does it work?

• With gifts from donors, Y-Malawi provides approved applicants a grant of ½ of the money needed to launch the new business.
• Y-Malawi then provides an equal grant to the VSL enabling them to make a loan to the applicant for the balance of money needed.
• When the loan is repaid, the VSL has the money to make additional loans without the assistance of Y-Malawi.
• To achieve sustainability, those who receive grants “give back” to Y-Malawi products that help reduce Y-Malawi operating expenses.
• Y-Malawi provides oversite and assistance to each applicant through a Loan Officer who approves loans, guides the applicant through development of a business plan and start-up. The same is provided to VSL’s.

How can you help?

• A donation of any amount to the Y-Malawi Economic Empowerment Fund allows Y-Malawi the ability to make grants.
• Those contributing to the fund will receive a special accountability report each quarter prepared especially for them. It will detail fund use, successes, economic impact and other highlights.