A recurring request from many of the women at YADA is for loans to start small businesses (such as selling tomatoes, charcoal, or vegetables). Many other organisations give out loans without any training or accountability and the majority of these small businesses shortly fail. We have spent much time strategizing with the community leaders to formulate with the best way to launch small businesses that can sustain the families of Nyarumanga and give an alternative, healthier choice to living off the dump.

In February 2022, YADA invited those seeking a loan to join a week of training that we have been developing with the help of others working in the NGO sector, as well as businessmen and local pastors. Over the course of the week, participants were taught biblical principles concerning money, business management skills, SWOT analysis, how to write a business plan, and provided space to practice these skills through hypothetical business modeling. At the end of the training, we invited candidates to write and submit a business plan, and five of those plans were chosen for this pilot project. Additionally, those who received loans are also given a business coach to mentor them as they make financial decisions for their families. Months later, we can happily attest to the success of this project. The mommas created bank accounts for the first time in their lives and were so excited!

Unlike other projects we have witnessed, where outsiders come in, give and leave, relationships with the community are the foundation of all we do. The success of our micro-loan project would have been impossible were it not for the trusted friendships we have poured into for years within the community. Rather than beginning with projects and hand-outs, we started by asking each person who they are, showing with our actions that we want to know them, and more than anything we want them to know that God knows them, loves them and desires to give them abundant life.

To be known. That is the meaning of Yada. That God knows and loves us is our focus and drive. That is the foundation for our relationships within Nyarumanga.