The Future of Sustainable Energy

Sustainable energy has become one area of research in international development. It is a goal of a local NGO called the SEM Fund to transmit several eco-friendly products. Their line of sustainable products includes an eco-friendly stove, a lamp, and an eco-sack. Yesterday Miriam and I were fortunate enough to meet with a client of ours that is taking her first loan in order to sell these products in Dakar. I am only hoping we will be able to assist more clients in taking loans in order to augment this excellent project. Below is a picture and a description of the eco-lamp. Both images were borrowed from the SEM Fund website: http://www.sem-fund.org/ Please visit their website for more information about their projects.

Bienvenue au Senegal!! (again?)

Yesterday morning I arrived in Dakar early my fifth trip to Senegal for my most exciting stay yet! My purpose here is that I am here in Dakar working as a Client Relationship Manager for an American microfinance non-profit known as Zidisha. Zidisha is a word in Swahili, which means "grow" or "multiply." It is the first true peer-to-peer microfinance institution to now be assisting entrepreneurs in 8 countries with no real office. All the work is done by a group of dedicated volunteers who draw no remuneration but believe deeply in the work we do. I have been working with Zidisha now for more than one year and now have been blessed with the opportunity to return to Senegal to see the program first hand.

Phew! It is close to midnight already! Must go to sleep, tomorrow will be here before I know it!