Zidisha | Project Updates

Project Updates

The latest updates from projects made possible by our global community.

Nicholas Corbett · Toronto, Canada

Jan 6, 2015

I feel honored to say the least, to have a part in your studies and future success. Good luck with your courses and never give up!

Kenneth · Bahati, Kenya

Jan 6, 2015

THANK YOU SO MUCH LENDERS OF ZIDISHA TEAM. my brother now has been able to complete his Diploma in IT through zidisha program, thank you so much for the money you've lend to me, it did so much in my business and am even able to raise the school fees of my two sons too. Thank you

Aristide Soungalo · Banfora, Burkina Faso

Jan 6, 2015

Hello. I'm happy to write you this morning to tell you a bit about how the last loan affected my family. When I received the previous loan, I bought an incubator, I completed the brooder house, and I spent the remainder on feed. What you must remember is what it brought to my daily life. My production increased by 50%, so during the holidays I sold at least 110 chickens at 3,000 francs each and I used the profits to buy clothing for my children, my wife, and I. I was also able to have a great Christmas by having friends and family over, something I haven't done since I started animal raising. That's why I had no trouble paying back the loan. I'm proud of you and I hope to continue working with you. Thank you. comment image

Wise · Sunyani, Ghana

Jan 6, 2015

I visited all my customers yesterday and almost all of them paid me. I was very happy. As at yesterday 5/01/15 only three of my customers could not pay all their debt. But the payment from my customers profited me about 97% of my invested income. I had additional contract from a timber firm to suplly them with 113 hamper buskets on the 1st of January, which made me a profit of about GHc 300.00. Though i spent about GHc 100.00 on transportation, i still made a reasonable income. I think i can call this success. Thanks to Zidisha

Wise · Sunyani, Ghana

Jan 6, 2015

Hello Michael, I am too much suprised and see this whole thing to be a miracle in my life. How my loan was funded and how i took the opportunity and how my customer paid back after delivery. God bless you leaders of Zidisha especially leander Franmiguel. i am very grateful for your support. Indeed i am applying for additional funds to countinue this business. The demand for the cane products will never pass away it will need innivations every time. During my adventure i introduced most of my customers to other cane products like bamboo chairs, dinning table and many others. Infact my producer was very good and sincere. This time i cant trust him again when i prefinance my items on demand.

Caroline · Kilifi, Kenya

Jan 6, 2015

It a new year and i would like to thank all my lenders who made it possible for me to have my second loan i don't have enough words to express my gratitude because i managed to get a new bike and though i had lots hectic time at the county office for the new license due to the new county laws am happy to say that my bikes are all working and making a huge change in my life, after buying the bike and the license i manged to remain with 10, 000 which helped me to go and visit my rural area which i haven't done for like 8 years and am really happy that i did go home thanks to zidisha. since now i have more than three bikes my income has increases which is helping in paying the tuition for my little niece which is my primary goal and my life has never been the same again not to forget i did employee a rider who is very hard working guy who volunteer to work through the week and rests at night which is really improving the life of his family. i can't thank zidisha enough but hope many people around the world is getting such help like this and making a change in their lives. Thanks to all of you and may God Bless you.

Esther · Naivasha, Kenya

Jan 5, 2015

Thank you Zidisha for the good work you have done, I feel thankful for Zidisha group and may almighty God bless you abundantly. My previous loan helped me a lot to achieve my goals last year and am much happy for the effort you made to see me through. Through the loan you given me i was able to buy a new photocopy machine which has assisted me much in business and have made to to gain a lot of customers due to its quality. I thank you once more, hoping that even the next loan will be of help to me and my business.

Peter · Donholm, Kenya

Jan 5, 2015

A happy 2015 really it is. During the holidays I did a clean prunning on my trees. Thanks to Zidisha. Now my trees can grow stronger and beautiful. I could not get a good photo while up the shaky tree. 2015 has presented challenges to farmers in our county after an out break of necrosis attacking cereals crops. The county advises on alternative farming and I was already on a small project on passion fruit farming. These are hardy crops and yield well both in product and farm gate prices. I need some cash to buy quality seedlings from KARI each @ KSH 30. I will inter crop among the young trees and use cypress posts and rafters(from my pruning waste) to support the vine. Farming is tricky but I expect to give positive progress within 2 months of planting as this plant is very vigourous.

Ibrahim · Kisumu, Kenya

Jan 5, 2015

Indeed the sum has been of help and now am so busy.Thanks to God that I trust myself and know that i will graduate to the next level and see my business in another level with the ability to create more jobs and make food reachable to majority of people in the Kisumu City.May the LORD bless you people for choosing to stand with people like me and us.Shalom

John · Kitengela, Kenya

Jan 5, 2015

My first loan was great, i managed to buy grey paint for my doors, white paint for my lintel and black paint for the window panes. This amounted to a total of 5000ksh, i also spent the rest of money to pay the paint man for the job. My houses look more beautiful and attractive even to my tenants. Now they are very happy because the houses look good. this has also increased confidence between me and my tenants. My houses are also fully occupied and i happy because this is possible because of zidisha loan. At least now i have a guaranteed income from this projected and i will now continue re investing the income that i get inform of rents to build some more houses. this income will also help me educate my children. having a permanent source of income is a very important thing for a family. my family is happy and i have confidence that zidisha loans will help me develop it further. Thanks to zidisha loans, my project is now taking shape.

Stephen · Nakuru Bahati Scheme, Kenya

Jan 4, 2015

hello hello dear lenders,once again i thank you for making me my business more prosperous. i started with a simple movie shop and now it has grown to double where i sell even stereo machines like subwoofers and tv sets. am happy to do business with you and expect more in future

Wise · Sunyani, Ghana

Jan 4, 2015

Thank God for Zidisha. i have earn double of what i invested in the cane business in the christmas season. there are other thisng i have to do as soon as i am done with this repayment. i am very grateful.

Julius · Kayole, Kenya

Jan 4, 2015

Thanks to all my lenders you people have really demonstrated your love for the children's, I will not let you people down, I will make sure that this loan has made some changes to the life of our children's

Nelson · Kahawa Wendani, Kenya

Jan 4, 2015

Good morning. i purchased stationary and maps to aid me in my training of scouts n since school are opening on fifth January i am optimistic that my business in scouting will be a success as it will impact well on student scouts and make me known for a great training .I will be able to get new schools and train them on scouting and this will increase my earnings tremendously. T,his year my son will join school kindergarten and i am looking forward to the task ahead. During the holidays here in our country and neighborhood, we make merry by gathering as family and friends while sharing drinks food,singing and dancing. We love fun and are welcoming people. thank you for giving me this loan as it has broaden my mind and make my business a profitable one in the coming days.

Mercy · Nairobi, Kenya

Jan 4, 2015

Hi Michael, Here is the chair I bought for our business. Thanks Mercy comment image

Louis · Kisumu, Kenya

Jan 4, 2015

I am greatful for what Zidisha has improved in my business. I had little faith in online crowdfunding but I am now evidence that such things exist and ACTUALLY work! I am in a position to pay a higher instalment amount. I want to repay my loan in the shortest time possible with as much ease as possible. Happy new year to my awsome lenders.

Timothy · Molo, Kenya

Jan 3, 2015

Dear lenders, I am very glad since you understood me when i was facing too much rains that i could not access the market.Now the problem is over and am able to transport my tomatoes and vegetables to the market,some of my customers too are now able to reach me.Now am able to generate enough income to help me repay my loan as am planning to buy a water pump if in very future you reloan me again. Thank so much.

Sido Virginie · Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Jan 3, 2015

je vend des pagnes bazin cousure voici photo d'un bazin que j'ai cousure pour vendre ça marche un peu merci pour m'aider à evoluer un peu comment image

Humphrey · Gakobu Village, Kenya

Jan 3, 2015

i managed to purchase a CPU Pentium 4, a much more faster machine that the rest that i have, the new machine has become everybody's favorite machine as customers take little time doing their staff, the earning have increased a little bit by 10%, the increased earning i am saving so a to purchase new more machine to speed up customer service and time usage. last holiday Dec 25 we spend time with my parent at rural village. the neighborhood to our place have people are closed up and only meet during communal events.

John · Kitengela, Kenya

Jan 3, 2015

Zidisha has not only helped me access affordable credit, but also it has given me a lot of hopes of achieving my dreams. with the first loan i received from zidisha, i was able to purchase paint for my rental housing project. i managed to purchase black paint for my window panes, white paint which i used to paint my lintel, and i also bought grey paint that i used to paint my doors. Now my houses look beautiful and my tenants are happy and i am happy as well because i can see that my project is now starting to take shape. My plans is to build some more rental houses so that i can be able to increase my earnings, i am also happy because zidisha loan has helped me make my houses more habitable and this has made my tenants to have more confidence in me. The earnings that i get from this project helps me to be able to educate my children. i also use some of this earnings to purchase more construction materials so that i can build some more houses. This dream is quickly becoming a success story because of zidisha loans.

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Jan 2, 2015

Just want to say thank you to my lenders.I received the loan on my phone today and have bought an initial 100 A4 sheets of photograph paper.I have a wedding to photograph tomorrow.3rd of Jan,and hope it will recoup some of the money to reinvest and eventually enable a higher repayment of the loan.

Luke · Thika, Kenya

Jan 2, 2015

Happy new year guys and i hope you have all cerebrated well in your respective country as we have done here in Kenya. We are now in the year 2015 we thank God our maker for enabling us to have reached this far. I want to take this opportunity now to thanks the community for the year ended 2014 for your effort in making the world a better place , thanks alot for your effort. As for my part the printer is doing a graet job especially this festive seasons it has really helped me thanks to you guys, im even conteplating in buying a bigger camera now with large zoom so that im able to capture clear image in along distance.

Cynthia · Nairobi, Kenya

Jan 1, 2015

Jo Dane Thank you so much Jo Dane i am happy that you believe in my idea because with cold freshly made juices people will avoid taking carbonated drinks which are harmful to health its also my little way of trying to instill a culture of taking fruits in my society and it will go a long way to refresh them and also boost their health and i know in my own little way i will be helping some people protect their health and also earn a living thank you so much Jo Dane am very grateful may our creator, bless you.

Jane · Kiti Estate, Kenya

Jan 1, 2015

This is a photo of my new dairyshop. comment image

Aan · Teluk Kuantan, Indonesia

Jan 1, 2015

This small family me ... very happy to have a small child and being funny-funny .. comment image

John · Kahawa West, Kenya

Jan 1, 2015

The funds helped me to irrigate and gardening, the tomatoes are doing extremely well and by this mid January they will ready for harvesting,i have a ready market because right now the demand for tomatoes is very high and supply is very low.I know if all goes well i will reap very good profit, My wife is always happy with zidisha because we had tried to get money to no avail, Our life will change,I would like to thanks Zidisha organization for giving me this chance to better our life.I thanks my lenders for their contribution and i will never let them down.Thanks to Zidisha.

Laban · Nairobi, Kenya

Dec 31, 2014

Dear All, As of Today i received the Loan requested in full, Many Thanks for your support starting tomorrow i will begin the purcharse of my Maize Stock. Have a blessed New Year

Anthony · Kanja, Embu, Kenya

Dec 31, 2014

Happy New Year to all my lenders. You made my 2014 a beautiful year and brought great hope.

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Dec 31, 2014

The photoshop helps me make sharper images and helps me create colorful splatter using their dress code.You wouldnt believe but these girls are one womans daughters,and one father.A lovely family who were all flowergirls at their sisters wedding.Photo used with consent of the family. comment image

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Dec 31, 2014

This is a sample i have been allowed to use,it was a wedding and she was a flowergirl.I edit out the background and make it as appealing as i can for the client. comment image

Emmanuel · Berekum, Ghana

Dec 31, 2014

I sincerely give thanks to all Lenders for your successful contribution towards my loan funding. What you have done has really shock me!! . I am going to surprise you with my repayment. God bless you all abundantly and have a happy and prosperous new year!!!

Ishmail · Kumasi, Ghana

Dec 31, 2014

Happy new yearto all my lenders! My lenders I am really grateful for what you have done for me, may God richly bless you all for giving me this loan, I can not explain what this loan has done for, because this loan has really put change in my fashion work. comment image

Edmond · Webuye, Kenya

Dec 30, 2014

Previously life was a little complicated as far as wealth and development re concerned. To those who were born from poor families, they had had highest chances of remaining poor as the saying the rich continue to pile more while the poor continue to be more poor. With introduction of these financial means of funding like zidish, life has dramatically changed. Some of the people from poor backgrounds like us with big minds can now easily access money and exploit their capabilities turning them into reality. Looking forward to continue working with zidisha. I was anlysing my living standard before and after being introduced to you, actually there has emerged a very big difference.this is because i now own eg a poshomill although it is very far from where im based for IT business. (That is way back home) but its doing fine under my parents supervision and they have so far not disappointed me in it. This, i couldnt be having without your previous loan. My other Cyber project although it failed due to strategic position, but i still have the resources i was to use thus i was forced to take them back home and buy time to search for a better place, fortunately ive found the best place ever of my choice which i have already paid for a three months rent being Ksh 20,000 per month. That is ive paid Ksh 60,000 rent. I have almost all things i need for a start which i had bought from part of previous zidisha loan which i also spent in my current business which is doing extremeny well(Thnks to zidisha). the only part remining now is the photocopier which costs Ksh 60,000. The shop is to be vaceted in the next two weeks by the County Government of Kilifi, Kenya in Mtwapa. With Zidisha help for me to get Ksh 40,0000, ill be able to top up the Ksh 20,000 from my business earnings to purchase this.It is one of the major central core of this business thus i must be having it. Thank you as i look forward to working with you Zidisha. God bless.

Hadija · Nairobi, Kenya

Dec 30, 2014

Hello, My free range poultry farm is doing well, I have managed to grow my stock from an initial of 4 hens and 1 cock to about 37 although the majority are cock. Am currently constructing more chicken coop since the are increasing in number at a relatively fast rate and majorly to avoid pecking in over crowded areas. Once in a while I sell the large cocks to avoid in breeding and of course i need the money to purchase chicken feed. My son enjoys this poultry venture more than anyone else, I believe, because every time we go to see them, he never sits down, he`s always outside running round trying to catch them. All this would not have been possible without your help zidisha, thank you very much. Hope the pictures will tell more. Regards, Hadija comment image

Pauline · Juja, Kenya

Dec 30, 2014

Hello Lenders, this is to inform you on how the last loan impacted my life; I used the funds to expand my stock of handbags. This came as a result of the coming in of new clients and the demand being higher than the supply I had. In addition, through the loan, I was able to cultivate good relationships with a supplier who I look forward to working with in the long term. With time, it has become necessary for me to delegate deliveries of handbags to a lady so I could focus on generating new leads and constant supply. I am happy that I am on the journey to financial independence:)

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Dec 29, 2014

Some of my photoshop work, a menu for a new hotel in Bungoma town. comment image

Victor · Iten Kaptoo Village, Kenya

Dec 29, 2014

The Christmas was fine and possibly hope that the coming year 2015 will be alright. comment image

Richard · Berekum, Ghana

Dec 28, 2014

These are some of the teak comment image

klunpa01 · Athens, Ohio, United States

Dec 28, 2014

Dear Lenders! I am writing to let you know I am back in Dakar for a few weeks for the holidays. I had the chance to stop by to visit Ameth last week to see the progress of his business. Ameth took his first loan with Zidisha in March 2014 and he is currently on his second loan. He lives in the Dakar neighborhood of Mermoz with his older brother Moussa, and his younger sister is currently pursuing her studies at the university. Ameth works from home, where he raises chickens on the third floor of his house to sell. He purchases them from when they are very young and raises them until they are 45 days old. He then sells them to local clients for 2,500 XOF to 3,000 XOF ($5-$6) gaining a small profit. Since my last visit Ameth has made tremendous progress in the growth of his activities. He installed cages in one of the rooms in order to increase the number of chickens he can raise at once. Now he is able to raise up to 50 chicks in the same room he has his older chickens. He plans eventually to install an automated water tank so he won't have to fill the water twice a day. Not only has Zidisha helped reinforce Ameth's activities, it has given him the ability to make plans on how he will continue to expand. He has already purchased several quails, from which when he plans to sell the eggs. He explained each quail will lay at least one egg daily, which he will be able to sell in order to boost his revenue. Not only the quails will boost his profit but Ameth has also recently purchased a freezer. With the freezer he will be able to store his chickens which are ready until he has clients. This will decrease the chance of losing the chickens. Another development is that Ameth has commenced to sell 50 chickens a month to a restaurant caterer. Ameth hopes to continue to expand his activities to include other local restuarants. Even though the commencing loans have been small, this has not limited Ameth's potential to envision the future of his business. Ameth and I spent discussing what the future could hold for his activities. He spoke of land he has in Thioraye, just a little outside Dakar. He said one day his production is large enough to be able to relocate there. He also spoke of his vision to produce mayonnaise or other similar commercial products for local consumption. Ameth not only has chickens and quails but he has two dogs as well. His two dogs he raised and trained by himself live on his rooftop terrace. They respond to his commands in Wolof. Ameth's forward-thinking and positive attitude is evident when he talks about his prospects for the future. I am glad I had a chance to stop by to visit, and I look forward to seeing his progress when I am in Dakar again! Sincerely, Paige Klunk Senegal Liaison comment image

George · Kinoo, Kenya

Dec 28, 2014

Below is a photo with more members of the extended family: comment image

George · Kinoo, Kenya

Dec 28, 2014

Hi Michael, My family and I had a wonderful Christmas with our extended family in the countryside - I have uploaded a few photos of the dairy goat project. Attached is a group photo with the extended family. comment image

George · Kinoo, Kenya

Dec 28, 2014

This one got a kid. comment image

George · Kinoo, Kenya

Dec 28, 2014

Dear Lenders, I appreciate the assistance you have given me this far. Below are a few photos from my business. comment image

Boniface · Siritanyi Village Bungoma, Kenya

Dec 28, 2014

I want to thank all my lenders.I just finished paying my first Zidisha loan and it made such a difference in boosting my photoshop and photography business.I have managed to save toward purchasing a new digital camera and even managed to stock my shop from the proceeds of the photography work that had increased because of longer days you made possible for me to hire the cameras for my work.Again Happy holidays and i wish you all the best in the new year.Kids are not yet back to school but i have been having a busy time taking photographs and not only repaying the loan but restocking my business.I look forward to doing more business with you.On Christmas day i made close to 150$!!!! Thanks again

Eric · Kisii, Kenya

Dec 28, 2014

Dear lenders, May I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your friendly gesture, by accepting to lend me. The money did a great job. By coincidence, when I received the money, after two days my welding machine broke down. The secondary windings and the cooling fan windings melted! The machine was rendered useless. If it were not for the loan today I could be telling a very sad story. The good news is: I only raised a few extra dollars plus the loan the money was enough to hire a specialist to carry out repairs immediately. After four days of waiting anxiously one morning the technician surprised me at my shop with the machine ready for use! It was a well done job. The machine is doing a good job. Once again thank you. In the picture the replaced windings can be seen in white color while the new fan is shiny. I love my trade and with sufficient capital I will make it. Blessings to you all.

Jackline · Nairobi, Kenya

Dec 28, 2014

Dear Lenders, Happy holiday season!! I'd like to inform you that my family and I are well, we enjoyed this festive season spending that much needed quality family time together and we thank God for good health. I trust that you and your families are well too as u await to usher in the new year. The last loan I took from Zidisha, which I have fully paid back, was ksh. 38,800 (approximately $435) towards my goat rearing and selling business. That money enabled me to expand my goat pen to accommodate my growing stock. The cost of construction is broken down as follows: Timber 200ft @ ksh 49 ($0.5) X 200= ksh 9800 ($110), 20 iron sheets @ ksh 600 ( $6.7) X 20= ksh 12,000 ($134) , Labour cost was ksh 10,000 ($112), the balance of $79 I added to my profit from sale of previously existing stock to cater for transport cost, nails, extra water tank to harvest rain water for the goats. I'd like to thank you all for supporting my business and upgrading my living standards and that of my son through Zidisha loan. I hope you will continue to support me in my next loan application. Regards Jackie

Mary · Manhean, Ghana

Dec 28, 2014

Hello Zidisha and Lenders, l am glad for what you have done for me. l needed money to improve my business and no one wanted to give me but a friend invited me to join Zidisha and now l have seen Changes.Below you will see pictures of my business. comment image

Dennis · Kapsoya, Kenya

Dec 28, 2014

This is the machine which I use for typing purposes.... comment image

Wilbur · Mvita, Kenya

Dec 27, 2014

sincerely I would like to thank the Zidisha team for their entire support. The loan has ever enabled me to purchase high quality materials for making sofa sets. Apart from that, the amount of timber has been increased and there has been ease in making the furniture. The purchase has been a milestone as my profits have increased compared to the recent times and I can comfortably pay my employees daily or weekly. My neighborhood is a place to be with a scenery of beautiful trees and vegetation with a good landscape suitable for living

Kelvin · Kasarani Santon, Kenya

Dec 27, 2014

I once again thank all my lenders for the generosity they have shown me, God bless you all for your Kindness. The loan has helped me alot, because i was able to increase my stock from what i had previously and now i am able to make some more profit. comment image

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