Our field officer for SKImfi-Zimbabwe discusses his work with SKI Charities and the path that led him to develop a passion for woman and child development.
Causemore Samanga, SKImfi Zimbabwe field officer
What is your role in SKI Charities?
My role is to identify prospective loan beneficiaries, those who are struggling to make ends meet and need a boost to increase business profits. Once women are accepted to the SKImfi program, I give them a two-hour training on how to select and plan their businesses. I also assist the project officer with distributing loans. During the loan period, I make monitoring visits to check on their businesses, take pictures and to advise on better ways of doing a particular business.
How have you seen microfinance improve women’s lives?
A small loan of just $100.00 can tremendously change the life of a household, especially when it is given to a woman, the one who usually manages the household economy in Zimbabwe. I have seen women begin meaningful businesses and position themselves to provide basic needs for their households such as food, school fees, medication, farming inputs and social capital. Women no longer depend solely on their husbands, and husbands see them as equally important. Women’s social status has improved, as they are now able to make financial contributions to their churches, to extended family and to community programs.
What path brought you to this work?
I have worked for community development organizations for 12 years after spending time with Dr. Abigail Bar of Oxford University in research programs on african economics. Through that work and all that has followed, I developed a passion for the development of women and children. By fostering the opportunities for women in Zimbabwe, I am helping to shape the future of a lot of children.
What about your job inspires and motivates you?
I am inspired by the possibility for women to free themselves from the bondage of extreme poverty through engaging in income-generating businesses. Through the 12 years I have been in development work, I have seen those with whom I work transform into successful business women who also have managed to send their children to universities. Among a host of development initiatives in Zimbabwe, I believe microfinance is one of the best ways to transform lives. I enjoy seeing the benefits that this has for community members. I cannot see myself doing a different job in my life.
