Through our operations in Nepal, Mentors International has partnered with two micro-loan cooperatives in Palung, and Makwanpur, Nepal. In May, 2018 around 250 impoverished farmers/entrepreneurs received their first loans to grow their enterprises. These farmers regularly received business development training and mentoring from our Mentors International team in Nepal. After monitoring and measuring their progress over several months 50 of the best farming and business enterprises were selected by the loan co-op leaders and Mentors International for a rebate award at the end of 2019. They were awarded $100 each as a means of encouragement to further improve their farms and the way they run their businesses. This award was given out as part of a celebration program. Community leaders, staff from Mentors International and CHOICE Humanitarian, officials from the loan co-ops and the Deputy-Mayor of the Thaha Municipality were there to congratulate these farmers on their accomplishments.
Our successful partnership with CHOICE Humanitarian allows Mentors International to support these impoverished communities in Nepal through mentoring and business development training. We are financially supporting the local loan co-ops already established by helping provide the loan funds. With our support and oversight, these loan co-ops have the same perpetual model that all of the Mentors International branches operate with. When one loan is paid back, it is put back into the loan fund and lent out to another.
Over 900 new jobs have been created by these entrepreneurs in the short time that we have been serving in Nepal.
Some of the women entrepreneurs receiving their awards from the Deputy-Mayor.
