Thursday, the 4th of April 2024, was a special day for the five Community Transformation Groups in Amsterdam, Harare. Their usual monthly meetings became a celebration moment, when Mr. Mpaso, the Finance and Administration officer, and Rev Dr. Mugwidi announced the good news of the timely disbursement of $600 to boost each group’s efforts.

Representatives of the groups pose with Mr. Million Mpaso the AE Finance and Administration Officer (extreme left seated holding a folder).

143 members, comprising 138 women and girls as well as 5 men, gathered to share notes on how to run their businesses and inspire each other through testimonies and success stories. There was singing and dancing as each group celebrated this milestone, as the disbursement was conditional. To qualify for disbursement, each group had to demonstrate good management of the locally raised funds from members and record keeping, among other ethical practices. The groups had raised an average of $500 each, which was already being borrowed by members to support the entrepreneurial activities at the household level.

Evangelism Training in preparation for Harare mission, and beyond

Members of the Ebenezer Group celebrate the most as they had already raised $900 amongst themselves and their members had the most success stories. While most women ventured into detergent making, the men are into fresh fish vending and shoe making.