Dear friends and family,
Welcome to my fundraising page.
As some of you know, my trip to Tanzania last year really opened my eyes to exciting opportunities and challenges that exist in the country. Canada has challenges, however we are lucky to have access to a plentiful range of healthcare, education and other infrastructure. I’ve found an opportunity to put my finance and entrepreneurial skills to good use, with the aim of increasing employment and improving lives in Tanzania by helping small to medium enterprises (SMEs) grow.
My Role in Iringa, Tanzania for 12 Months
As a Financial Management Advisor, I’ll be working as part of a consulting team working side-by-side with Tanzanians to facilitate training of local entrepreneurs and their employees towards growing the economic impact of their business. My focus will be on the financial aspects of their business and I’ll take an approach to meet them where they are and assess what value I can add to their particular situation.
Perhaps a new financial management system could be put into place, such that they understand where they are today and how and under what conditions they may need additional funding, staffing or other resources. Producing financial statements may also improve their ability to access financing through investors and local financial institutions. Other times, we may coordinate with one of the local partners to share resources.
Where Do You Fit in?
Cuso International is a non-profit organisation and raises 10% of its funds through donations. The Canadian government matches every dollar nine times. You donate 1 dollar and the government puts in 9. Your contribution to Cuso International is impactful and any donation amount is greatly appreciated. Donations over $10 are tax deductible in Canada. You can donate to me in-person, or through this site.
The T-LED Project in Tanzania
Over the past 10 years, Tanzania’s economy has grown steadily, yet most citizens haven’t seen the benefits of this growth. With the recent discovery of gas, as well as new agricultural policies and increased foreign investments, the economy shows no sign of slowing down. This could spell “opportunity” for Tanzanian business owners.
The challenge? While there is growing demand for local suppliers and farmers, the current products and services on offer do not meet the requirements of international firms. In some cases, small and medium sized business owners (SMEs) and farmers have been unable to capitalize on the markets created by the associated supply chains.
With the gas sector in the development stage, as well as plans for further growth in the agriculture sector, we have a rare window of opportunity to help SMEs and farmers to refine their products and services so they can participate in the dynamic economy.
The Tanzania Local Enterprise Development (T-LED) project supports SMEs and farmers in overcoming the barriers they face in accessing the opportunities that the gas and agricultural sectors will bring in the coming years, with additional focus on supporting SMEs that are run by women.
A partnership between Cuso International and private sector, civil society and government organizations within Tanzania, T-LED will help the keep the income generated by the burgeoning gas and agribusiness sectors in Tanzania.
Ultimately, T-LED will strengthen the capacity of local SMEs and farmers, giving them the tools, training and expertise they will need to fulfill the requirements of international firms. And when SMEs and farmers succeed, so do their employees, families and communities.
Since 1961, Cuso International has been working to reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts of volunteers, partners, and donors. Each year Cuso International mobilizes hundreds of professionals who volunteer side-by-side with local partners to create positive and lasting change.
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Cuso International
200-44 Eccles Street
Ottawa ON K1R 6S4 Canada
Toll-free telephone: +1 888 434 2876
Local telephone: +1(613) 829 7445
Fax: +1(613) 829 7996 | questions@cusointernational.org
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United States (EIN 30-0545486). Copyright © 2018 Cuso International all rights reserved.