Olga’s products range from uniforms to one-of-a-kind dresses, and she and her 11 employees produce all of it in Chisinau, Moldova. Despite her custom designs, Olga’s clothing is more affordable than other options her clients could find in Turkey or Ukraine. Olga used her loan to purchase additional fabric and materials to supply three boutiques with her designs. One day she hopes to open boutiques in Moscow.
For over a decade, Pierre Bernard Bruno has been supplying his community of Terrier Rouge, Haiti, with well constructed, hand-made furniture. As a husband and a father of six children, Pierre says providing for his family has always been difficult. Without the ability to keep many materials in stock, he has been limited in his furniture construction. Now repaying his second loan from Esperanza International, HOPE’s partner in Haiti, Pierre has purchased new tools and expanded his supply of wood. His wife and six children are benefitting, as Pierre’s increased income ensures healthier, more frequent meals and provides his children with the supplies and books they need to attend school. Though Pierre’s business is now promoted simply by word of mouth, he dreams of having a storefront where he can display his work for the community to see.
With seven children to provide for, a small loan of $465 made a big difference for Hamasa*. The investment in his vehicle maintenance shop has increased his income, helping him provide for his wife and children.
*Name changed for security.
Peter recently received his first loan from ROMCOM, HOPE’s partner in Romania. He used the loan to invest in his greenhouse, upgrading the building and purchasing special tables that automatically irrigate the plants they contain. Peter and his wife have one child, and together they hope to one day open a boarding house, where tourists can stay comfortably when they come to visit Romania.
Despite holding a master’s degree in economics, Guy Roland Matongo was unable to find work in Brazzaville, Congo, to provide for the seven individuals in his household. His mother began a women’s clothing business several years ago, and when she became too ill to continue working, Guy took the reins of the business. With a loan from HOPE Congo, he was able to travel to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to purchase a wider variety of clothing in varied sizes and styles. Since joining his community bank, Guy says that he has stopped drinking and has instead focused his energies on his business. He says he feels encouraged and now has hope for the future. As his current business continues to grow, he hopes to earn enough to open a hair salon for men.
An $80 loan from HOPE DRC enabled Kinkita to purchase used shoes for resale. Having received only one loan so far, Kinkita has already noticed a difference in her family’s life. “With the profit I make, I contribute to the survival of my family,” she says, before proudly adding, “I also have a savings account!” Kinkita also tithes generously. In the future, she hopes to take out additional loans to open more than one business. “May HOPE flourish and remain forever!” she says.
