“When we have money, they call us by our names, not by our disabilities”

Lizzie Longshaw, quoted in Lewis (2004).

P3001P3001 IMFSLIMFSL PROJECT PROJECTInclusive Microfinance & Sustainable

Livelihood Pilot Project for Persons with Disabilities(PwDs)

in Malawi.

Presentation By Patric Ulaya on 6 Oct. 2014

In 2010 FEDOMA with assistance from Gorta of Ireland rolled out a microfinance project in Machinga district.

The purpose of empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs) economically by offering microcredits.

Initiative succeeding in reference to over 90% repayment rate.

However a VSL approach was considered more effective to PwDs in need of micro-entrepreneurship.

PwDs falling in the category of small to medium entrepreneurship were opted for a link up program with existing microfinance firms.

The project targets PwDs, caregivers and the rest of community. Inclusive approach.

Aims at promoting savings culture amongst PwDs and overcoming barriers that hinders full participation of PwDs in microfinance programs.

Implementing partners are CUMO and OBM in rural and urban models respectively.

IMFSL approach is modeled on NUDIPU-AMFIL inclusive microfinance strategy.

As of end of August 2014 CUMO has registered 103 beneficiaries in Salima district.

OBM has registered 82 beneficiaries in Blantyre urban district.

PwDs have established small businesses that are promoting their welfare through the proceeds they are getting from their businesses.

Harrison Samvetsa, physically disabled, of Tsogololathu group SAM 288 in Salima reports that he has now accumulated MK4000.00(around$8) in savings within 6 months period.

Alinafe Mustafa, physically disabled, of Thombodzi SAM 277 group in Salima says that she now has MK15000.00(around $30) in her savings thanks to the VSL program

Members of CUMO’s SAM 278, Tsogololanga group in Salima posing for a group photograph with Patric Ulaya of IMFSL project team. The group has 4 members with physical disabilities and 2 parents of PwDs. Harrison Samvetsa in white shirt.

Overwhelming demand for microfinance services by PwDs in the piloted districts resulting in temporarily overstretching the capacities of the mfis involved.

Most microfinance institutions in Malawi are unwilling to offer start up loans to Pads.(not necessarily a challenge of the project but rather of the microfinance sector)

VSL initiative, embedded in CBR program, provides financial muscle crucial to other CBR matrix components.

A full scale VSL project is key to uplifting economic status’ of PwDs mainly in rural areas, where majority of PwDs in Malawi resides.

Experience gained through the Gorta project as well as the IMFSL project, can assist FEDOMA to successfully launch a VSL project

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!