Tanzanian-U.S. Alumni Provide Grants to 200 Women Entrepreneurs from Iringa and Singida

U.S. Embassy Alumni Coordinator Rehema Kalinga (second  right), Tanzania-U.S. State Alumni Association and Affirmative Action on Gender Equality Network members, and women's NGO recipients of 16 million Tanzanian Shillings grants during ceremony held at Hill Park Hotel University of Dar es Salaam on October 18, 2011. PHOTO/COURTESY OF AMERICAN EMBASSY

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On Tuesday, October 18 at the University of Dar Es Salaam, members of the Tanzania-U.S. State Alumni Association (TUSSAA) founded the "Affirmative Action on Gender Equality Network" (AGEN) and presented Tshs16 million to two women's NGOs based in Iringa and Singida in support of women's entrepreneurship programs.  The donation promoted the alumni vision of expanding empowerment programs "from Tanzanians for Tanzanians," according to U.S. Embassy spokesperson Dana L. Banks.  

 The check handover ceremony was attended by U.S. Embassy Alumni Coordinator Ms. Rehema Kalinga, and members from TUSSAA, Emiliana John from Jumuiya ya Wanawake Wafanyabiashara Ndogo Ndogo Kinyangiri (JUWAKI), Esther Chaula from Muungano Charity Organization (MCO), and the Tanzania Women Entrepreneurs organization (TAWE).

"For just one woman, these efforts could mean increasing profits from poultry farming, which would send her children to school for one year.  For another, it could mean improving an oil press business, which would allow her access to basic health care services for her family.  That we can help do this with a little effort and a lot of support from AGEN members is very fulfilling," said AGEN Secretary and Board Member James Jesse.

"After months of rigorous competition, rewriting proposals, administrative paperwork and sheer determination, our Fulbright and other alumni scholars are delighted to hand over this money to the women who have been the inspiration to start the process in the first place," stated AGEN's Executive Director and Board Chair Diana A. Carvalho.  "We thank the American People, not only for making this grant possible, but for hosting our members from around the world for their scholarship, and for visiting our countries to learn from us. It is through these exchanges that our partnerships emerge and grow."

AGEN plans to work closely with TUSSAA and other civil society organizations to organize training and mentorship programs for the female entrepreneurs, in addition to enhancing their funds management and marketing skills, while assisting them to identify new markets.  JUWAKI and MCO will use the funds TUSSAA provided the funds from part of a $25,000,000 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund grant earned recently from the U.S. Department of State.