Microloan Recipient Highlight – Esther Mwereria

Esther is 46 years old and is married to Humphrey, age 42. The couple has two children and both are in school. Esther’s economic activities include dairy farming, knitting sweaters, and also selling bananas locally. Her husband is a casual laborer at Kenya Tea Development Association. She has an average income of US$ 95 from her farming activities and knitting business. In May 2012, she received a $400.00 loan. With the loan, Esther was able to buy more yarn, knitting needles, and a knitting machine as well as pay rent for her store. She anticipates that the items bought will expand her knitting business and that this will increase her returns. She affirms that she will be able to realize a 200% increase in her monthly income while at the same time being able to realize a loan repayment performance of 100%.

Since receiving her loan, Esther has been able to cater to her family’s dietary needs. She feels more optimistic about the future and less worried about financial constraints. She thinks that HopeCore is “the best micro-financier” in the area and she prays the organization grows even bigger to continue helping others in need.