Women entrepreneurs from Iguguno Village and Alumni convey their gratitude to the American People

JUWAKI takes pride in the following achievements: a) monthly repayment of the microloans, as per their constitution, has been met by 100%; b) the women entrepreneurs have successfully bought a new digital camera for them to share their progress with the world. This is a big step indeed; c) sound relationship with AEIF partner grassroots NGO (MCO) of Iringa. Here, the two NGOs have been exchanging experiences and expertise to improve their performance; d) the women entrepreneurs successfully hosted AGEN’s visit by Administrative Director, Mr. James Jesse. This was a the first and very successful field visit by a top AGEN official. Mr. Jesse, was accompanied by AGEN’s Field Coordinator Mr. Johnson Robinson. The two visited several villages to include Kinyangiri, Lukomo and Iguguno. The two Ageners were very much impressed by what they saw in those villages; indeed, women entrepreneurs at work as they transform their lives and those of their loved ones.

AGEN and its partner JUWAKI face some challenges. This is time for farm preparation across all villages in Singida. As it is often the case, women make an integral part of the labor force required in the process. Henceforth, some of the husbands stop their wives from participating in JUWAKI meetings. Basically, this is a cultural issues that Ageners are going to dedicate some of their time to address. Here we talk of gender empowerment for both men and women, if we really need to sustain this project. Another challenge is that, some of the women entrepreneurs have been avoiding loans because of the associated past experiences from both profit driven and untrustworthy organizations. This too will be addressed by AGEN and its partners; training has been scheduled to deal with some of these issues. An important achievement is that all of the money is in the hands of women entrepreneurs.

As usual women expressed their need for education and hands-on training on entrepreneurship skills and record keeping. AGEN is more than equipped to address this challenge. In the next few days Ageners will be travelling to the region to offer the required training. Equally important, the training will be reinforced by Ageners’ biweekly visits.

Finally, JUWAKI shared two success stories: Ms. Fatuma Makula (Mama Nyaswa or mother of Nyaswa; here a Tanzanian parent takes pride in having children and prefers to be called the mother of so and so or the father of so and so. Calling Tanzanian people with children by first names or surnames is sometimes considered a bad thing or disrespect of somebody’s status. Tanzanian men equally take pride in this title) is involved in Sunflower oil refinery. She refines a dense sunflower paste (ugido in Kiswahili) from a relatively advanced local sunflower refinery and produces sunflower cooking oil ready for sale. She specifically mix 40 liters of the oil paste with 140 liters of water then boils the mixture for four to five hours. The result is 20 liters of refined sunflower cooking oil. This is indeed, locally discovered way of refining sunflower products that would otherwise be lost. Ms. Fatuma got a loan of only Tanzanian shillings 100,000 (roughly $67) from AGEN (jointly administered with JUWAKI). Before she got the loan Ms. Afforded a 40liters of the paste; the loan has enabled her to grow her business. In the past she only afforded to buy 40 liters of paste (two buckets of 20 liters); however, the loan has enabled her to buy up to 100liters of sunflower oil paste. Her life has been transformed in that she can now address most of her needs. She has also managed to pay school fees for her children on time. Fatuma Makula conveys her greatest gratitude to AGEN and the American people.

Ms Fatuma on your left with her friend preparing sunflower oil

Refined sunflower cooking oil (the bottom of the bucket can be seen)

The second success story covers tailoring business which has started to be productive. Ms. Maria Kitala from Berthlehem in Iguguno villages says, “I am a tailor and I love tailoring. However, for quite sometimes, my business wasn’t productive because I didn’t have enough capital to buy fabric as per my customers’ needs. After receiving money from the American people, I bought more fabric that met some of the needs of my customers. I received the money as the holiday season approached; and that enabled me to take more orders from customers. That meant more money for me and my loved ones. Many thanks to JUWAKI, AGEN and the American people for allowing me to realize my dream. The capital has increased and that is all that I needed to progress my tailoring business because I have the required tailoring skills. Thanks a lot to AGEN officials for visiting my business and I am looking forward to more visits and entrepreneurship training.” Like Ms. Fatuma, Ms. Maria Kitala got a loan of only Tanzanian shillings 100,000 (roughly $67) from AGEN (jointly administered with JUWAKI).

Ms Maria in her kiosk preparing clothes for her customers.

This is the money from the American people that allowed Ms Kitala and Ms macula, living in one of the remotest village of Tanzania, to address the needs of their customers who needed clothes for the holiday as well as nice and cholesterol free cooking oil. Importantly, the women entrepreneurs met their needs and those of their families. It is this very same money that has allowed AGEN officials to visit women and provide individual specific counseling to the entreprenuers.Thanks a lot to the American people.

James' Visit in Iguguno Village (James is second from on your left at the bottom photo)

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: TRAINING OF TRAINERS (TOT)

Affirmative Action on Gender Equality Network (AGEN) is a Non-Governmental Organization which was founded by the Tanzanians U.S. Alumni who want to give back to the society especially to women and youth living in rural and semi-urban areas of Sub-Saharan Region of Africa. Until November 2011 AGEN had 120 members across the globe; of which 60 members are from Tanzania. The number is increasing daily. AGEN is currently working in collaboration with two women NGOs in Iringa and Singida Regions in Tanzania. These NGOs are called Muungano Charity Organisation (MCO) and Jumuiya ya Wanawake wafanyabiashara Ndogondogo Kinyangiri (JUWAKI) respectively in the implementation of the project entitled, Women Empowerment in Rural Sub-Sahara Africa through Capacity Building and Training funded by the U.S. Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)

This project is a one year project with possible expansion, focusing on empowerment of women living in semi-urban areas of Tanzania in Iringa and Singida Regions through provision of loans through their NGOs, cutting edge monitoring and capacity building training from a team of Fulbrighters and other members who have voluntarily joined AGEN. In line with the above mentioned project, AGEN organised a full-day Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop on Entrepreneurship so as to equip participants with necessary information and skills that are necessary for the project implementation. It is anticipated that the knowledge and skills acquired would in turn be imparted to women who are beneficiaries of the project...read more.

KIND REQUEST FOR CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AGEN MEMBERS AND OTHER GOOD WISHERS

Dear AGEN Members and our Esteemed Well Wishers,

This year, 2012 AGEN is determined to be a focal NGO in Tanzania and elsewhere in matters relating to Women Empowerment, Human Rights Awareness Raising and to play a key role in the Constitution Making Process in Tanzania. Our projects in Iringa and Singida are doing very well. Women in these two regions convey their thanks to AGENers for their support and cooperation. However, to be and remain a vibrant NGO we kindly request your material, financial and intellectual support.

We have acquired a branch office in Dar es Salaam (Sinza) where some leaders and volunteers will be sitting to execute their duties. In this regard, we would like to kindly request your financial and/or material support so that we can be able to repair the office to be good for office uses, buying some furnitures, computers and printers, and other consumables. Our lowest estimate is to raise about US $ 10,000 (equivalent to Tanzania Shs 15 million).

Don't say that 'if I contribute just US $ 50 is a small amount.' No! Any single penny is worthy it. Please make your contribution today through any of the following Bank Account. You can also donate materials things like furnitures and computers. MAY GOD HELP YOU!

OUR ACCOUNT: Affirmative action on Gender Equality Network (AGEN)

Account No. 0350213071
Tanzania Women Bank (TWB), Mkwepu Branch, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

OR

Affirmative action on Gender Equality Network (AGEN)

Account No. 0341233335
EXIM Bank (T) Ltd

Swift Code: EXTNTZTZ

Chips UID 370780

AGEN members in Tanzania can also send their contribution through Mpesa or Tigo Pesa in the following numbers: 0754889118 or 0712931805

We guarantee that your CONTRIBUTION will ONLY be used for AGEN activities. All reports and photos will be made available to members.

Thank you in advance for your continuing cooperation. When you make your contribution kindly write me an email or send sms to inform me.

.........................................................................

Jesse, J. UDSM School of Law Tanzania. 0712 931805

Read about: Affirmative action on Gender Equality Network (AGEN)- Tz NGO

We envision to grow until we become a reputable International NGO dedicated to empowerment of grassroots women and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Visit us at http://aggen2011.blogspot.com/p/about.html

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others" Dr. Martin Luther King.

"One person with a belief is equal to the force of 100,000 who have only interest" John Stuart Mill.

--
Affirmative action on Gender Equality Network (AGEN). We envision to grow until we become a reputable International NGO dedicated to empowerment of grassroots women and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Visit us at http://aggen2011.blogspot.com/p/about.html and subscribe your email to follow our blog with readership from over 50,000 reputable scholars from across the globe.

Please like us at our facebook page (google Affirmative action on Gender Equality Network (AGEN) and you will see us or simply click http://www.facebook.com/pages/Affirmative-action-on-Gender-Equality-Network-AGEN/193217784059511?sk=page_insights_likes then log into your facebook account to like us) Please tell as many of your friends as possible to like us at our facebook page.

AGEN MANAGEMENT TEAM

From: JamesJesse Jesse J.
Date: 3 January 2012 08:47
Subject: AGEN MANAGEMENT TEAM
To: "agen.international@gmail.com" , AGGEN Tanzania
Cc: KHADIJA FARAJI , Diana Carvalho

Dear AGENers,

I hope this will email will find you doing very well. I wish you best of luck in this New Year 2012.

Attached in this email is a list of AGEN management team in Tanzania. In case of any valid objection let me know within seven days until 10th January 2012. We are intending to convene a meeting of these leaders as soon as possible.

I am requesting all leaders to reply to this email.

Kindest regards.

.........................................................................

Jesse, J. UDSM School of Law Tanzania. 0712 931805

Read about: Affirmative action on Gender Equality Network (AGEN)- Tz NGO

We envision to grow until we become a reputable International NGO dedicated to empowerment of grassroots women and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Visit us at http://aggen2011.blogspot.com/p/about.html

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others" Dr. Martin Luther King.

"One person with a belief is equal to the force of 100,000 who have only interest" John Stuart Mill.

AGEN EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM W.E.F JANUARY 2012

8.1.1. Executive Director- Ms. Diana Carvalho

8.1.2. Assistant Executive Director- Women and Advocacy - Dr. Ms. Elinami Swai

8.1.3. Director of Administration and Finance- Mr. James Jesse

8.1.4. Director –Consultancy and Sustainability- Mr. Rasel Madaha

8.1.5 Director- Women Empowerment- Ms. Rehema Monko

8.1.6. Director-Networking and Promotion –Ms. Khadija Faraji

8.1.6 Director – Marketing- Ms. Divine Muragijimana

8.1.7. Operations Manager- Ms. Asina Omari

8.1.8. Tanzania Field Coordinators:

Field Coordinators- Mr. Johnson Robinson- Singida

Mr. Mirau Mbise - Iringa

8.1.9. Administrative Officer-Local Affairs- Ms. Matilda Sabaya

8.1.9. Administrative Officer-International Affairs and Website administrators- Mr. R. Madaha and Ms. Divine Muragijimana

8.1.10. Administrative Officer-Finance and Treasury- Ms. Zena Kiwanga

8.1.11 Country Coordinators:

AGEN has representatives from the following countries:

Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, China, Burundi, India, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Southern Sudan, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.


OTHER VACANT POSITIONS (These will remain vacant until AGM)

- Heads of Departments;
o Head of the Microfinance (MF) Department;
o Head of the Engineering (Engr) Department;
o Head of Medical and Nutrition (MN) Department;
o Head of Training and Development (T&D) Department;
o Head of Research, Publication and Proposal Writing (RPP) Department;
o Head of Alumni Engagement and Mentorship (AEM) Department; and
o Head of Human Rights (HR) Department.

AGEN wishes you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Singida Women Entrepreneurs have Money in Their Hands but they……….

It is an excellent start for women entrepreneurs in JUWAKI’s Singida region. The entrepreneurs at various levels benefit from AGEN’s grant. At the top left Fatuma Juma Lusinde has accessed the grant and improved her business of selling vegetables. The Iguguno village community can access more vegetables and Fatuma’s family can have delicious and nutritious food on the table. Neema Kitundu, at the top right, owns a shop; AGEN’s grant enabled her to buy more merchandise for her shop. She sells cereals and “ready made things” that are in high demand at the village. Although the community has increased access to important basic needs, Neema’s family has increased potential to send to schools both girls and boys.

If we shall talk of either iron ladies or inborn entrepreneurs, Rehema Nkya is one of them. Johnson and Rasel (AGEN members) who know her can bear witness. Like many other successful entrepreneur, Rehema Nkya diversifies products and creates new businesses for her customers. Although, Rehema has opened a new saloon to allow ladies at Iguguno and neighboring villages to beautify themselves, she is known for her delicious meals offered at her restaurant. Sharing his views, Rasel said, “in 2007, I ate chapatti (special hand prepared Tanzanian bread) and supu ya kuku (special Tanzania chicken soup which can also be consumed with several staples including maize) at her restaurant; they were extremely delicious.” Rehema’s success has enabled her to send her children, regardless of gender, to school. At the time, when AGEN founders prepared a proposal and built a case for its feasibility, they argued that some of the women entrepreneurs have sent their husbands to school. If somebody would ask us to present a specific case, we would present Rehema to them. More than four years ago, Rehema was successful enough to encourage her husband to join agricultural college for further studies. She paid most of the tuition fees and other expenses. At the same time, she continued to pay fees for her children at home. AGEN depend on her because we will send her to different places to train others and learn from them, all for the sake of women entrepreneurs in her locality.

Finally and since we are down to business, the women entrepreneurs bravely proposed things to be improved and acted upon. AGEN has addressed some of them and has devised strategies address the remaining ones. We will learn about these strategies as things unfold.

AGEN’s First Training of Trainers (ToT) A SUCCESS INDEED

The birth of a new vocabulary features the atmosphere during preparation of and execution of the historical AGEN ToT TRAINING. The vocabulary, “Agener’s” has been officially adopted by many. We will probably be calling you Agener to diverge from the term “member” which is so commonly and frequently used by many. We are exceptional people who do exceptional things as we change our world, as we execute cutting edge monitoring and empowerment, as we execute projects in ways that no one else has attempted. AGEN is a product of innovative creation. Grassroots outcomes, at least for the past few months, have showcased our innovative potential because grassroots people have started to benefit. Indeed, we stand out of a crowd.

The success of AGEN’s first ToT training is applauded by both members and likely supporters of grassroots empowerment projects in the continent. AGENERS have made it and they are more than ready to take AGEN to the next level. On November 15 2011, Jesse James, AGEN Administrative Office and Board member wrote, “ ...I wish to record my appreciation for a very good turn up... to the Training despite your busy schedules and...raining in Dar es Salaam on that day…. We had a total of 21 members who attended out of 30 who confirmed to participate. That was a great achievement.”

On the same day, Peter Mkufya one of resourceful persons in the training wrote, “ ...I must say that the ToT workshop was...very wonderful...experience...professionalism really dominated the scene. I was very impressed to hear people's positive comments...; especially the brilliant ideas you have been sharing across with your friends…I won't forget this that during the workshop several participants were saying around.... I was linked to this lady/gentleman by ....of course which was the case to me.... I couldn't have known people like James, Mlaki, Johnson, Peter, Diana, Edward, Maltida etc. that day....For this I have seen the power of networking. “ A few days later, a long time gender activist and dedicated Agener, Matilda Mkami Sabayi shared her views, as a participant, with one of the editors, “ given my analysis of existing NGOs in Tanzania and international ones that I am aware of, AGEN stands to become the best and most reputable international NGO in the continent.”

Matilda is in possession of, Bachelor of Education, MA; currently she is a PhD candidate at University of Dar Es Salaam specializing on Agriculture (Irrigation) and Rural Livelihoods. Matilda a very resourceful Agener and inborn entrepreneur, knows what it takes to be a girl in a community where girls are given second priority. Matilda is an exception in her family in that she managed to raise herself to the highest level of education among all.
Sharing similar views, another participant wrote, “All members during ToT envisioned growth of AGEN...being the only organization in Tanzania comprised of most educated individuals... which predicts success of AGEN in Sub-Saharan Africa. ”

On November 17 2011, Mr. Bugingo Massana, another resourceful person and Agener, specializing on management and with over 30 years in the field (both local and international), wrote, “I am glad to inform you that we had a nice training at the University of UDSM, and the Organizers of the training were kind. We learned from one another and I do hope that things will be good in future. “ Mr. Massana’s presentation was on management. Participants benefited much from his expertise and experience in the field.

Mr. Felix Mlaki, AGEN’s board member, chose no to comment on the status of the workshop; nevertheless, he played his part by deeds. As a key resource person who designed the syllabus for the ToT, Felix facilitated the following key topics: Definition of Entrepreneurship, Qualities of an Entrepreneurship, Business Opportunities, Economic/Business Principles, Sources of Capital for business, Entrepreneurship in Tanzania’s context, Factors to consider for financing and Record keeping. At the end of his presentation, Mr. Felix adviced participants to observe the following: “Develop skills; Always aim to improve; Thing big and start small.”

Mr. Mirau Mbise, Agener and one of the resource persons specializing in marketing, couldn’t make it due to unavoidable circumstances. However, he managed to train David Manyerere, a development expert, to facilitate ToT at Dar Es Salaam. Their presentation focused on marketing (the process of interesting potential customers and clients in your products and/or services). Mbise and Manyerere covered the following issues: entrepreneurship (the assumption of risk and responsibility in designing and implementing a business strategy or starting a business); General Enterprising Tendencies (Strategic, Future orientated, Aggressive, Confident, Growth seeking, Hardworking, Opportunistic, Networking, Flexible); Who are the potential customers?; How to retain current and get new customers?; Internal Environment (marketing mix); External Environment (customer analysis and competitor analysis).

Mr. Mkufya presented a topical issue on how to overcome fears in entrepreneurship ventures. He specifically covered things such as the meaning of fear in entrepreneurial terms; identification of fear triggers and avoidance of the same; application of ten practical solutions/overcoming fear; establishment of Fear Index and finalized his case studies by presenting informative case studies.

Ms. Diana Carvalho, AGEN’s Executive Director and board member, facilitated an important and productive presentation on What is a business plan and what are important contents of a business plan. The rule of the thumb is successful entrepreneurs are excellent creators of sound and viable business plans.

Indeed, first Training of Trainers (ToT) on Saturday November 12, 2011 which started at 8:30 am at the School of Law of the University of Dar es Salaam was a success, AGEN has 21 well trained entrepreneurs who will be taking turns to visit grassroots women entrepreneurs in Iringa and Singida. The only challenge to AGEN is to raise funds so that the trainers can reach entrepreneurs scattered all over Sub-Saharan Africa within the next few years. Congratulations to all Ageners.