Microfinance-for-University

The ZanaA Empowerment Club Program is unique in that it not only provides mentorship for youth in Kibera schools, but for our field officers as well.  Promising graduates from the schools we work with are eligible to become ZanaA Junior Field Officers (JFOs).  JFOs spend one year being trained in facilitation methods and in leading Empowerment Clubs in the field.  During that time they also receive business training from ZanaA staff in an effort to help them formulate a sound business plan.

After one year, JFOs become Senior Field Officers and mentor incoming JFOs.  They also are given the opportunity to pitch their business plans to ZanaA and become eligible for a small loan to start their new businesses.  Field officers use the profits from their businesses to bridge funding for university, giving them another advantage when it come to starting their professional lives.

In August 2010 ZanaA hosted a team from the Wharton School of Business from the University of Pennsylvania.  These four students spent two weeks with our field officers, discussing business principles, visiting Kibera, and learning about the specific tools required to run a successful small business in Nairobi. After the two weeks the Wharton team was able to put together a comprehensive packet on business methods, financial planning, and management skills for our field officers.  The Wharton team’s work includes specific case studies from Kibera, allowing our field officers to have concrete examples to relate to abstract business principles.  This will be a vital tool in helping our field officers succeed in future endeavors.

As of the end of 2010, two of our senior field officers have established businesses in the Kibera area- several others have promising plans in the works. Two are also in University, one part time and one full-time.