From Conflict to Catalyst: Celebrating 10 Years in Uganda
Today there is much to celebrate in Gulu, northern Uganda, but ten years ago the town was just beginning to emerge from a brutal conflict.
Many Ugandans lack access to basic financial services – a reality further hindered by the desperate, post-war conditions in Gulu.
Talanta Microfinance opened its doors in 2006 to meet these needs, with a vision to create business networks, train and mentor business owners, and provide affordable financial services in Gulu.
Looking back, God’s hand is evident in Talanta’s journey, and by inviting Partners Worldwide into their story, they have been further equipped with the guidance needed to stabilize as an institution and expand their impact.
Partners Worldwide Business Affiliates in particular have played a key role in mentoring Talanta’s leadership, training their board members, and assisting in crafting their current strategic plan.
Through years of partnership and hard work, Talanta has become a force for good and a catalyst for change in Gulu.
During the last ten years, Talanta has served over 4,000 clients. This past year they disbursed $1.53 million in loans, opened a second branch, and sustained partnerships with local organizations working to meet the needs of vulnerable women and youth.
Talanta’s clients, Partners Worldwide staff, and community members recently gathered in Gulu to celebrate ten years of God’s faithfulness in their work.
Live music, a large parade, and community service activities were enjoyed by all. Being apart of such a meaningful celebration drove home the strength of our 3-way partnership model between Local Community Institutions, Business Affiliates, and Partners Worldwide staff.
As it says in Ecclesiastes 4:12 “a cord of three strands is not easily broken,” and this is evident in our long-term relationships with LCIs like Talanta. Through the ups and downs – from conflict to natural disaster – we support and encourage one another as we pursue the shared goal of ending global poverty so all may have flourishing life.
September 12, 2016