There’s a nonprofit based on the South Coast that aims to empower impoverished women in Africa in an unusual way.
Thousand Oaks-based The Greater Contribution helps poor women living in Uganda by providing them with micro loans so they can start their own businesses.
“We wanted to work on a more long-term solution to poverty. Not just one-time aid but aid that would give people an ongoing income and a way to truly lift themselves out of poverty,” says President and Founder Karon Wright.
These small businesses deal in basic necessities like selling used clothing or produce. For every $80, the organization provides the women with a micro loan, mentoring, business skills and literacy training. She says after two years, their income increases by about 400%.
“This makes a tremendous difference. This really transforms a women’s life and the lives of her family,” Wright says.
The Greater Contribution will hold a fundraiser at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks on Sunday at 3 pm.
For more information about The Greater Contribution, visit www.GreaterContribution.org.