As we begin this year, we wanted to start with a simple but heartfelt message: thank you. Through your partnership, God is restoring dignity and transforming lives in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
Hope and beauty in unexpected places
In the center of Cairo is a region called Garbage Village, home to nearly 100,000 people. Here, the whole economy and rhythm of life is centered around collecting, sorting, and recycling the city's trash.
Garbage is everywhere – but look closer, you’ll see a village full of people with remarkable resilience, creativity, and hope.
For 10 years, TOLI has helped restore dignity in this community. Recently, the TOLI leadership team in Egypt hosted a skills training to help women in Garbage Village develop opportunities beyond trash collection. One of those trainings? A gel manicure workshop.
That’s where Martina and Mariam, a mother-daughter duo, discovered a new passion. With a TOLI microloan, they purchased nail polish and a gel light kit and launched their own beauty salon. Now, these women carefully and artfully paint their neighbor's nails.
Not only does their salon provide a steady income, it’s a source of joy, confidence, and dignity. They’re doing work they love!
Pictured: Mariam (middle), Martina (right), and Mary (left, the youngest daughter)
In a place known for trash, Martina and Mariam are creating beauty and sharing hope. They’re inspiring others – like Fifi, a woman in the village who used a TOLI microloan to start a bakery.
“I heard about TOLI because of friend in the village said, ‘I took a loan that changed my life.’”
– Fifi, TOLI baker, Garbage Village, EGYPT
Dreams are taking root, businesses are growing, lives are changing, God's people are creating beauty, and dignity is spreading in Garbage Village. Sometimes, God uses the darkest places and the most resilient people to shine His light most brightly.
Your generosity through the years is generating lasting hope. Our Partners plan to grant 4,000 new loans in 2025 to help individuals start or expand small businesses. 2,500 of those loans will be funded by repayments from past clients, keeping resources circulating within communities — just like in Garbage Village!
Mark your calendars… for the 2025 “TOLI Family” Event
in Colorado Springs | Friday, May 2nd
TOLI is headed to Kenya in June, and we’d love for you to come along! Travel to see the ministry firsthand and experience the life-changing impact of microloans. For details and applications, email Audrey.