Each Club member signs a contract, to not only abide by the lending rules, but to collectively pay each others' loans if needed - thereby providing sometimes intense peer support for timely repayment. The Club members become like family. They can combine their loans to buy a larger supply, buy from each other and share helpful marketing knowledge. I have learned that poverty is a very shameful and lonely experience. When women are in solidarity with hope and purpose, they become strong.
Some clubs regularly get together to embroider, knit, dye fabrics to sell, etc.
They sing songs and chat. It's really a beautiful and hopeful sight. We began our project giving loans to women only because they can do much with small loans. Men usually require larger amounts for farming. Now that we have tested our administration skills and proven that the project is a success, this year we plan to begin forming men's Clubs of five members.