Today we met with CCODE and the savings and loan groups to listen to their quarterly report. The results were quite impressive. There were 10 groups with 166 members participating; out of the 166 members, 106 are women. It was very uplifting to see these women feel empowered to create a small business and be able to take out a loan to help grow their business. The CCODE facilitators continue to work with the members to help them retain business planning, and savings and loan information through these trainings and report outs. CCODE said they were encouraged by the members expanding their thought processes and that it is very encouraging to see residents who are living in extreme poverty to be able to save money.  While there is still much more work to be done with this project over the years, the past two days show its progress. We then visited another village where our church has sponsored a new water well. The residents were very grateful to meet us and welcomed us with a traditional Malawian song and dance.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8-9