Eliminating Poverty Through Microcredit
The Foundation for Women is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and registered non-government organization working to end poverty through microcredit programs.
MicrofinanceFor over 20 years, the Foundation for Women (FFW) has lifted families out of poverty through microcredit globally. Modeled on the Grameen-style micro-lending concept, FFW spearheaded the launch of microfinance in Liberia, bringing a new level of economic empowerment and independence to over 35,000 women since the program’s inception in 2006.
|
EducationFFW works in partnership with Edify to provide loans to schools in Liberia. Since 2013, the program has helped over 50 schools and is growing steadily as a model of improving the quality of education. In the program’s first 5 years, we provided over $275,000 in loan capital to partner schools, reaching over 18,000 students with an improved educational experience.
|
HealthcareLiberia’s healthcare system has been ravaged by decades of war and economic fragility. In a country of over 4.5 million people, with over 68% living below the poverty line, very few have access to health services. Responding to the urgent need, FFW launched a 3-pronged initiative in 2018 in an effort to build capacity in the private sector, where over 70% of Liberians seek care.
|
News
3/26/1 Letters from Liberia
After months of being home here, I am awe-stuck by the daily reality of members of our human family in Liberia. Friend Emmanuel, who is a lifeguard here where I live and who I consider a son for years now, saw me Saturday and said, “I have a small problem at home – that’s why I have not been here lately.” He then proceeded to tell me that his older sister had just died giving birth, not at home alone but in a hospital. The baby girl lived, Emmanuel’s sister died. Really?? I asked him if he was now taking care of the baby, and he told me his Mom has her; an African grandmother now raising an infant. He then told me that even though it is almost the end of March, he has not received pay for February – so he has had to stop credit in his phone to find transport money to work – even though he is not being paid. I expressed my sincere sympathies as he walked off saying, “All will be OK Mom.” Really? Read more.
After months of being home here, I am awe-stuck by the daily reality of members of our human family in Liberia. Friend Emmanuel, who is a lifeguard here where I live and who I consider a son for years now, saw me Saturday and said, “I have a small problem at home – that’s why I have not been here lately.” He then proceeded to tell me that his older sister had just died giving birth, not at home alone but in a hospital. The baby girl lived, Emmanuel’s sister died. Really?? I asked him if he was now taking care of the baby, and he told me his Mom has her; an African grandmother now raising an infant. He then told me that even though it is almost the end of March, he has not received pay for February – so he has had to stop credit in his phone to find transport money to work – even though he is not being paid. I expressed my sincere sympathies as he walked off saying, “All will be OK Mom.” Really? Read more.