The importance of training

We spend a lot of energy and resources on training, because our focus is human and long term development.

Savings-credit : the goal of the program is not only to give access to credit at a reasonable cost, but also to help the women to become more autonomous. Through savings, group management, exchanges and solidarity, mutual help. It is not so easy to resolve the differences and disputes within one's group, and the books must be well kept.

All women members receive training for 2 times half a day before their group is formed. The group leaders also have a meeting/training day every 4 months. The village workers have 1-2 days/month.

Health : all members receive regular advice or training on preventive health, either directly at the weekly meetings, or via the village workers.

In all primary schools the teachers (1500) have been trained in active pedagogy. They now teach the pupils (35.000) in a much more effective way for better health and hygiene.

Livestock and agriculture : we have trained 63 para-veterinary doctors and follows those who are active (2/3). Farmers groups (30, with close to 900 members) meet regularly, every 1-2 months, for further training. Training in agriculture is also provided via the savings-credit groups (1000).

Education theatre : 5-6 times a week, the 2 theatre groups produce interactive shows in the villages. The topics include: the importance of savings, alcoholism, hygiene, birth spacing etc. The average public is 300 people who participate actively, get on stage, intervene etc.

Scholarships : we give 18 €/year to 900 very poor children so that they would not drop out from school.

Community libraries : books are scarce and expensive for the poorest. Libraries are set up, co-funded at 50% by the program, 50% by the beneficiaries.

Official partners : meetings take place at regular intervals, all programs are discussed in detail. The partners are thus very much involved so that they could ensure the continuation of all programs.

To sum up, one can estimate the number of training/people at approximately 100/day, not counting the theatre!