Monicah (Tulimani) – One third of these groups were not able to meet their targets and two are particularly discouraged. They had training on keeping cattle and Monicah reports “Many groups are trying different money generating activities like selling watermelons, firewood and washing clothes.” They are being challenged by scarce water and food.

Agnes (Mbooni) – This month Agnes introduced a new cluster, Matoudoni, with four new groups of 72 members. She says it is an area with fertile soil and she is training the women on growing higher-profit fruit such as passion and avocado. Men continue to show support and interest and she says “When I was forming the new cluster, women were joined by their husband, and they had many questions. Remember for men to be patient for almost 3 hours is not easy.” 

In Mbooni, the groups continue to learn new activities, such as “making toys for young ones” and planting tree tomatoes (tamarillo), a fast-growing tree with clustered fruit, which Agnes trained leaders on this month. One of her leaders also trained all the RPMs in planting dragon fruit. Agnes gives thanks for her field worker, especially in this busy time of bank opening.

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – These groups are preparing their gardens and praying for the upcoming rains to be enough for them this time. Beatrice comments that a previous training in table banking has been fruitful for their groups, as otherwise, “to have money is very difficult.”

Sue (Kisau) – Training continues in record keeping and group management, partly in response to encourage the secretaries in their work, especially in the older groups.

Sue (Makueni) – Every group has been able to buy at least one tank this year, and training this month was on health, self-esteem, women’s rights and how to handle stress well. Some members are preparing to plant dragon fruit.

Regina (Malili A) – When members can’t pay targets, they avoid the meetings, and grace is needed to make her feel welcome, and to bring what little she can bring is alright. Regina trains the leaders in understanding and solving problems.

Regina (Malili B) – Only one group was unable to buy a tank this year, and one of these young groups bought three! Regina is doing follow-up training in leadership and record-keeping. They are challenged by members weak in paying their targets.

Susan (Kilome) – With dams drying up and three groups slow in paying targets, Susan also astutely names the challenge of “coping with people who won’t reciprocate the good deeds done in our groups…. or see the devotion of their office bearers.” One chairlady uses her tank water to grow greens she sells at discount to neighbors.