Step-by-step journey
This resilient savings group is just beginning their journey through the TOLI program, and already so much has changed.
Pictured: "Kajambaki Gacei" savings group
Step one: The introduction
What is a savings group? 1.7 billion people in extreme material poverty have no access to financial tools to grow a business. One in every four person globally is unbanked. A savings groups is a trusted, community-based way to save, lend, and support one another financially. In Kenya, TOLI grows its programs through savings groups. By meeting with groups, TOLI Social Workers introduce members to business training and, when they’re ready, microloans to start a small business.
A year ago, David Njagi, one of the TOLI Social Workers in Kenya, met a savings group called "Kajambaki Gacei." He saw their extreme need and abundant potential, but he also discerned that they weren't ready for microloans – yet. Instead, he taught them principles to save. After a year of growth and saving, they were ready for the next step: business training.
Step two: TOLI's Business Basics Course
TOLI’s Business Basics Course is a biblically-centered, interactive curriculum, where participants learn how to build a business that lasts, utilizing their God-given existing skills. Participants are equipped with essential skills like customer service, marketing, overcoming obstacles, understanding supply and demand, goal-setting, record-keeping, and the importance of saving (86% of TOLI clients now save for the future!).
Together, this savings group learned so many things. At their graduation ceremony, they shared:
“I appreciate the training. I started other businesses, but they failed. Now, I know I will be able to stand.”
“I learned I can look around and do something new in my area.”
“Thank you for helping. I learned how to budget so that I won’t keep begging or running out of inventory.”
“I learned how to overcome obstacles and how to press on.”
Not only is the training about business, it’s about the Gospel. Discipleship is integrated into every aspect of the business training – in worship, biblical foundations, and conversations about participant’s God-given value, creativity, and capacity to dream. This savings group is full of dreamers!
“I want to become a prominent woman in business.”
“I dream of buying a dairy goat. When my grandkids come, I can pour them a cup of milk and tea.”
“My dream is to have a business for years to come.”
Step three: Microloans
Though many of these women are just starting their businesses, they're living out their dreams. With a $250 microloan, Lucy bought a goat so that she can sell milk at the market (and pour a glass for her grandkids), Purity sells grains, and Caroline is raising and selling chickens. They’re no longer stuck in material poverty. They're making more income, providing daily meals for their families, and sending kids and grandkids to school.
When they look back at their growth, they can’t help but sing songs of praise.
Step four: Get involved!
This fall, there are many ways to plug into the ministry of TOLI.
WHEN: November 14th, 5:00-6:30pm
WHERE: 5785 North Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Drop in at the TOLI Colorado Springs office to help TOLI count the ways the Lord has blessed us this year. There will be appetizers, fellowship, and sharing of stories. We'll send you off with a token of our gratitude to remind you how grateful we are that you are part of this story, too. Hope to see you then!
RSVP to Amy!
You’re invited to TOLI’s Global Day of Prayer and Fasting on November 26th!
Partners, Field Staff, and donors all around the world will be joining forces to pray for the work of this ministry. We invite you, too!
1. Sign up for an hour of prayer in the link below to cover the full day in prayer and to receive a prayer guide.
2. Join us from 7-8am MT for a global Zoom prayer call with the whole TOLI family. Email Audrey for your Zoom link.