Microfinance Program
The innovation of microfinance has allowed low income individuals, usually excluded from the traditional banking system, to obtain micro-loans to develop micro-enterprises and build savings. The aim of the microfinance project is to contribute towards sustainable economic development by providing local individuals, groups and communities with the proper skills training and micro-loans to grow their businesses, create new jobs and help break the cycle of poverty and hunger. This project seeks to unlock the potential of micro finance services and tools as mechanisms for helping rural poor in Uganda leap over insurmountable hurdles that have been hindering them from achieving their dreams of a sustainable livelihood. This is where you come in!
What will I be doing?
As a Micro-Finance Volunteer you will work directly work with the rural communities to provide technical support and training to small local businesses (Small Medium Enterprise - SME) and help entrepreneurs in order to secure their means of a livelihood and develop a sustainable future for themselves. These enterprises include craft market vendors, pig and poultry farming, soap making, baking goods, local tourist guides, fruit sellers, horticulture initiatives, and community associations.
1-You will perform tasks such as helping to develop business plans, developing marketing strategies, conducting workshops, providing business guidance and support, and more.
2-You will help to establish facilities for credit such as the Village Saving and Lending Association (VSLA)) in order to enable underdeveloped and poor communities to expand.
Volunteers will perform tasks such as reading though business plans, developing marketing strategies, conducting workshops, providing business guidance and support, and more.
Here are some of the tasks volunteers can expect to do during thier placement:
1-Assist with marketing-related work, like writing articles, making brochures, and organising events
2- Guide business development and do administration work
3-Coordinate fundraising efforts to raise money for local businesses
4- Plan and conduct market research for local community members
5- Host business workshops with local women.
When you arrive at work on your first day, you will be introduced to staff who will be able to advise and support you during your placement. Our staff are also available to guide you throughout your stay.
As a volunteer, your work will be focused on fundraising, marketing, and local business and staff development. This can translate into various tasks, like drawing up a business plan for a struggling entrepreneur, or building relationships with sponsors to bring in more funding for the NGO.
During this placement, you are expected bring your own laptop to work on. This is also a professional internship, so you’re expected to be punctual and hard-working.