Economic Opportunity in Burundi
The country's economy isn't just bad; along with a handful of other places, it ranks consistently among the world's poorest. People have, on average, a little more than a dollar a day to spend on food, shelter, health, clothing, education, and all their other needs. A dollar a day, seven dollars a week—compare that to your most recent grocery bill.
In Burundi, Africa, in seeking to find a way out of poverty, one of the biggest hurdles that the poorest face is a lack of capital. But thanks to Turame [too-RAH-may] Bank's micro-finance and community borrowing program, thousands of individuals have access to funds not just for starting a business but also for seeing it flourish. In this way, Turame paints a picture of good that gets multiplied: it's a gigantic source of hope that begins with micro-sized generosity.
How it works
Turame clients apply for loans by submitting a business idea; those who are approved receive a small amount of funds [typically around 30-50 US Dollars] to help build and sustain their idea in order to generate a profit. With profit earned, clients are then able to not only pay back their loans but also provide for the needs of their families. So the banana-selling business started by client Victorie is helping support not just the woman herself but also her husband, their six children, and an orphan they've taken into their home. One loan, nine lives made better.
And that's just the first example—there are plenty more, like Adija's shoe booth and Zainabu's tomato and onion stand, not to mention Sada's bucket kiosk and Angeline's flour work. And tied to each venture is the story of not only a client but also the numbers of people she cares about and can now support: daughters, sons, parents, a husband, local orphans. Four loans, 19 people whose lives are better—people who’ve seen their hope increase—just in this paragraph. It multiplies.
Turame Bank is the [Z] in [XYZ], which represents three key expressions of our mission to work for measurable change among the oppressed. You can join us in supporting Turame, helping to provide micro-loans and offer hope to Burundians in need, by giving to [XYZ] in our online Joy Box.