Locations of Interest:
Or write check to "Liberian Widows Initiative, Inc." and mail to LWI, 265 College St, Ste. 6G, New Haven, CT 06510.
Our Program
In Monrovia, LWI implemented “Renew”, a microfinance program that uses a group-lending model. When applying for loans,
women form teams of 5-8 people and act as each other’s guarantors. This decreases information asymmetries
(i.e. the women have knowledge about who is responsible and will not invite unfit clients into their group),
and makes the women accountable to each other, not just the lending institution. Along with other team members,
women present their individual business plans and participate in a training session spanning three weeks.
After loans are approved and dispersed, women meet weekly with our Project Coordinator to discuss problems and successes,
as well as gather advice and resources. They also make their payments at these meetings.
Our clients’ ventures include grocery stands, rice depots, palm oil production centers, and sewing shops. Each proposal
is discussed with the client for three weeks before a loan is approved.
In Our Clients' Own Words.
"I am so glad that the Renew program came to our area and I am one of those who benefited from this loan program. With the two loans I have been able to gain much profit to pay my school fees and also to get something to eat each day. I want to take a bigger loan later. " -- Secret Bonkay
Ms. Bonkay sells fresh meat in the local market. She is an excellent business woman and is able to support herself and her children through her meat stand. She hopes to grow her business and send all of her children to school, as well as complete her own education.
Pastor Isaac Boe Doe
Pastor Isaac Boe Doe has worked with LWI since its inception and continues to direct its programs in Liberia. Pastor Boe Doe was a refugee himself, but has now returned home to help rebuild his country and the lives of its citizens.
More Than Microfinance: The Community Education Initiative
The extreme and widespread poverty of Liberia is a comprehensive problem that reaches far beyond lack of capital. LWI recognizes this. In Fall 2010 we launched the Community Education Initiative (CEI). CEI uplifts communities in a holistic way through free and accessible education programs. We offer business advice, skills training, literacy courses, health and sanitation classes, and counseling services to our clients, their families, and any member of the community in need. We seek to address the physical, spiritual and educational effects of poverty.