Then, Florence Biaou and Henri Abloume of the association carried out a community assessment with the women. Training sessions in literacy, how to direct an association, and management of small businesses were offered to help the women manage their loans well and succeed in their enterprises. Many in the village doubted whether any money would be loaned out. The association is the first to make the promise and then to fulfill the promise by training us and actually putting in place the credit. The goal of the community bank project is to help the poorest of the poor, according to Ernest Gnonlonfoun, the association's coordinator.
Women are the principal caregivers of the children in our society.
Yet, they have a number of strikes against them in that task. It is often difficult for them to generate much income. The community bank loans help them to do just that - to improve their own health and nutrition as well as that of their children, to help pay school fees, and to help their husbands provide for their families needs. Through the required savings, they will have the capital necessary to carry on their activities. Through the training that we have given them, they have the skills to manage their activities.