MicroLoan Foundation Australia is a non-profit organisation that uses the social microfinance model to provide small loans, business training, and ongoing support to the poorest women in sub Saharan Africa so they can start small businesses. The businesses help them take their families out of poverty. There are many ways you can help us help women work their way out of poverty.

My children go to bed hungry and my small home lets in the rain.” Elena lives in a small rural village in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa. “I had to leave primary school because my parents could not afford the payments or even to feed me so I had no option but to marry to survive. Then, by the time I was 20 with three children, I was again in the same position, struggling to feed my children each day and keep the roof on our small house from leaking. My children had to miss school like me because I could not afford the fees or books. The little money that did come in didn’t go far enough – I really knew what poverty feels like.

I really felt crushed thinking about the difficulties we faced I had plans but I had no idea who to turn to help. I want to leave my children better off than I was and I could not see how that was going to happen. Then I met Doreen my MicroLoan Foundation Loan Manager.

We give our clients a very small business loan which they pay back to us with a very small interest. We also give them business training and work with the women so they can build successful businesses. By doing this we are giving them the tools to build a good future. You can give to help us do this work in many ways.

We are always looking for people to help out at events, host events, share our mission with friends and colleagues, and generally promote MicroLoan Foundation Australia. We always need – and appreciate your help if you are able to volunteer some of your time for us.