One of the interesting parts about working internationally is that, because we do not see it right in front of us, it can be easy to forget that the work of Spirit in Action grant partner organizations is happening every single day. In each moment, somewhere in the wide network of the SIA family, people are hosting workshops, providing emotional support to those who are suffering, distributing food to those who are hungry, and working their farms to build food security. Here

When Chris Owino was ready to expand his grocery stall in the market, he joined the Matungu Community Development Charity’s small loan program. His shops supports his wife and their three children. A friend from church told Chris about the Matungu low-interest loan program and helped him receive a $150 loan to buy more items for his shop. “Thanks to Spirit in Action and Matungu for the small loan. If not for you, I am sure even today I would still be struggling in raising fun

Last week was SIA Board Member Kathleen King’s first visit to a Malawian village. I appreciated her new-comer observations on what she saw in Manyamula. Here is her post: We spent the last five days in a rural village called Manyamula, Malawi. Our partners here help run a savings and loans cooperative (meaning community members can buy shares in this cooperative and then can receive loans at rates way lower than Malawian banks offer). They may use these loans to improve their

The answer to this question may not be what you think. A recent Vox article presented studies that show that while micro-loans may not “lift people out of poverty,” they are still hugely beneficial to the poor. To save you the time reading the article, I’ve selected just some highlights below. These findings convince me that it is still worth supporting micro-savings and loans groups in Malawi and Kenya, in order to empower and provide greater dignity to those living in pover