On October 27 2011, MCO a local partner grassroots NGO of AGEN distributed 7.2 million Tanzanian shillings to 5 entrepreneurial groups to benefit 100 women entrepreneurs. This is the part of the AEIF grant given to AGEN members to execute an innovative grassroots project to empower women entrepreneurs in remotest areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.The major event coincided with presence of American students (George Bouchard, Elia Hudson who are hosted by MCO, their mentor and other Americans hosted by other agencies in the region) from the University of Earlham as part of cultural exchange and exposure of the same. The Americans were invited and they full participated in the event.
The invitation of Americans was an attempt, by grassroots women of Iringa, to send a direct message of thanks to the American people. The event was attended by various key stakeholders including government authorities, entrepreneurship group representatives and representative of an international NGO: Student Partnership Worldwide (SPW). Key representatives of various institutions included Mwangata Ward Counselor Mr. Gahus Lugenge who represented the District Executive Director of Iringa municipality, Ms. Derah Nziku Women’s special seat Ward Counselor, Ward Executive Officer Mr. Bw Atilio Maginga; SPW Director of Home stay Mr. Geofrey Kombo and Ms Leshi Bishga from University of Earlham.
The women entrepreneurs groups with number of participants and distribution was as follows: Agano (25 beneficiaries to equally share Tanzanian Shillings 1,800,000); Twitange (25 beneficiaries- Tanzanian Shillings 1,800,000); Amani (24 beneficiaries to equally share Tanzanian Shillings 1,728,000); Ipomla (16 beneficiaries to equally share Tanzanian Shillings 1,152,000) and Twilumba (10 beneficiaries to equally share- Tanzanian Shillings 720,000). Thanks are sent to the American people, from AGEN members, Tanzanian alumni and grassroots people for making the innovative venture possible.
