Micro- Loan Projects

 Our first village Project, Al Koum Al Akhdar, and Our Second Project in Naslet Hana are now both a completely self sustaining projects that continue to grow. Our small revolving loans are managed by  2 full-time social workers in each village and by already existing NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) partners, allowing for a very close relationship and accountability for each individual or family applying for a loan. The loan applications are first reviewed by our social workers in Egypt and then by Touch of Love administrative staff. Funds are not given directly to applicants but are instead used to purchase the goods necessary to begin a small income producing project or business. Each month our representatives in Egypt pay a visit to every project, monitoring it's viability and success and providing education and assistance. The success of sustainable giving relies completely on the success of each individual project. Some examples of small loan projects include:

Onion Farming

Building Supplies Store

Glass and Framing Store

Steam Ironing Service

Goat Farming

Fertilizer Business

Duck Breeding

Camel Breeding and Sales

General Merchandise Store

Butcher

Chicken Farming

Animal Feed Store

Molasses Store

Cattle Breeding

Fruit Stand

Clothing Store

To learn more about micro-loans click here.

 Egypt

 With around 73 million inhabitants, Egypt is the most highly populated Arab country, vibrant with life along the mighty Nile River.

COUNTRY FACTS:

Location: Northern Africa
Climate: Desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters
Population: 74.9 million
Economy: Industries include petroleum, cotton, textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals
Government: Republic
Religions: Islam, Christianity
Languages: Arabic

Unexpected Benefits!

In 2004 when Touch of Love first partnered with the local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)  in the village of Al Koum Al Akhdar , we were unaware of how transformational our small endeavor would be.  The impact has reached farther than we anticipated. As new jobs are created, husbands and fathers no longer have to travel to the cities for work: families are brought back together. As income levels rise, families are able to afford other small loans provided by   Habitat for Humanity to build new houses: quality of life and hygiene are improved. As the community witnesses this abundance, hope and motivation for change create a snowball effect: new ideas,  solutions and innovation are born and new businesses and programs spring up where there were none. As children take part in this paradigm shift and are given access to new education programs, the mindset changes from complacency and apathy to hope and interest: the future of the country is changed. As cultures from the east and west are exposed to one another within the context of giving, awareness and relationships are built where there was mistrust: bridges of tolerance and understanding are built.