The supervisors and field agents provide constant support to micro-credit group members, enabling them to set up and consolidate their business activities.
One of the most important aspects of the “It can be done! project for microcredit and community microfinance in Burundi is to accompany individuals so that their ideas can become income-generating activities.
Knowing how to listen, understanding their wishes, providing the right information and training, are the key elements making up the fundamental relationship of trust between those working on the ground and the members of the groups.
As Florida, one of the participants of the Kayanza groups, explained, “the experience is about taking the plunge and trusting that you can start a money-generating activity even with very little savings. In the group we are well organised. We have a register where we record every transaction. We also have a cash box where we keep the money. I am happy to have information about all the money I’ve managed to save”.
Florida’s project is really going ahead and now, with the support of the field operators, she can look to the future with great hope. “I have applied for a loan to buy agricultural equipment and a bit of fertiliser for my cabbage fields. If we continue to have a good season and there are no unexpected problems, I will definitely have a satisfactory harvest. I will be able to sell part of the harvest and earn money to contribute towards my family’s needs”.
This enthusiasm and confidence in the future are important elements that give the supervisors the strength to continue supporting the development and growth of individuals and the community.