How Africa Bridge Initiates Change:

Build Economic Independence

Africa Bridge provides a pathway to economic independence for caretakers of vulnerable children. This is done by establishing crop and livestock co-ops, providing start-up loans to co-op members, and offering intensive training. Repayments of co-op loans from villagers go back into the co-ops, so they can expand their memberships to other impoverished families caring for vulnerable children.  In addition to becoming the key to economic security for families, these co-ops are expected to repay a portion of their loans to provide a long-term source of support for the Most Vulnerable Children(MVC) Committees.  In these ways, the MVC Committees and co-ops are interdependent and reinforcing. 

What is a small business cooperative (co-op)?

In addition to establishing Most Vulnerable Children Committees, Africa Bridge provides a pathway to economic independence for caretakers of vulnerable children. This is done by establishing crop and livestock co-ops, providing start-up loans to co-op members, and offering intensive training.

Repayments of co-op loans from villagers go back into the co-ops, so they can expand their memberships to other impoverished families caring for vulnerable children. In addition to becoming the key to economic security for families, these co-ops are expected to divert some of their profits to provide a long-term source of support for the MVC Committees. In these ways, the MVC Committees and co-ops are interdependent and reinforcing.

How does Africa Bridge inspire entrepreneurs and investors?

In addition to the core MVC Committees and cooperative businesses, Africa Bridge facilitates the creation of small village micro-lending groups. These associations provide a needed source for short-term credit in villages that have no banks, with terms set by the association. Villagers use these new opportunities to borrow for emergencies, to help pay for children’s schooling, and to start new small businesses. These borrowing opportunities also help build banking and business know-how.

Establishing standards for equal membership of women on committees and in co-ops is a priority for Africa Bridge. Through participation in these institutions, many women have gone from no voice in village affairs to becoming leaders in their community.