Joy2theWorld Expands Micro-credit Program, Rolls out Anti-Poverty Projects in Ghana

PRLog (Press Release) - May 29, 2008 -
Joy2theWorld, a year-old non-profit micro-credit provider to Ghana, in West Africa, and an affiliate of WomensTrust, Inc. is dramatically expanding its micro-credit loans to the businesswomen of Medie and the 3 surrounding villages of Kotoku, Hebron and Samsam, population of approximately 10,000 people in rural Medie, Ghana.

Founded by Kathleen Gibbs out of her participation in the programs at Landmark Education, a leading international training and development company, Joy2theWorld(J2W)has provided micro-loans to 66 women in the Medie area to date.  “It is our 2008 goal to empower a total of 200 women with the financial support to grow their businesses” says Gibbs, “which in turn, will impact the economy in these villages. These loans build women’s self-esteem, leadership and creativity. Their children benefit from their successes.”

The micro-credit program is being bolstered by students from SIFE-IPS, an international group of students of the Institute of Professional Studies (Ghana), to mentor the women in their business.  Classes will include business planning, cost control, ethical business practice, customer care and basic bookkeeping.  “We’re committed to supporting the women with education to maximize the long term results of the program,” says Gibbs.

In addition to the micro-loans, Joy2theWorld is introducing a variety of initiatives to reduce poverty and improve the overall quality of life for residents.  Environmental Engineer John Wade, a participant in Landmark Education's Team Management and Leadership Program (TMLP) will generate a team in Medie to install a playground for children at a local school.  John will introduce solar panels at this same school and determine if the use of solar to generate electricity and refrigeration is advantageous and welcome in this community.  “It’s important to introduce change gradually and be sure that it is welcome in the village.”

Wade is also building a team to provide a solar powered well in Medie, producing clean water for this community.  Hopefully, with this success, John will return to drill more well sites. As a conservationist, John is prepared to introduce an efficient wood burning stove to residents that reduces wood consumption 50-75% over regular fires, impacting the deforestation problem that Ghana faces. These stoves can also bring economic benefit as locals are trained to build these stoves, market them and sell them to the women.  

Landmark Education's training in team development supports the concept that anything is possible through communication. To build a team in rural Ghana while living in the U.S. is a challenge. WomensTrust is supporting the transfer of communication through emails, international phone calls and sometimes simply passing information while traveling to nearby areas.

Kay Fajardi, a key partner of J2W and participant in Landmark’s TMLP is the official Fundraiser. Additional funds are needed to increase the micro-loans as well as to finance initiatives such as clean water, scholarships for the children and a future medical clinic.

Kathleen, Kay and John will be leaving for Ghana, Africa in early August, 2008.  Coordination has begun well in advance of their arrival, including shipments of equipment leaving the Port of Oakland, CA by May 31st to arrive in August.

To contribute, get more information, or get involved with Joy2theWorld go to http//joy2theworld.org or email Kathleen Gibbs at hmkathleen@yahoo.com.