Due to legal restrictions, formal employment is not permitted for refugees in Zambia. This leaves many refugees dependent on rations and handouts in order to meet their daily needs, and fails to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit so prevalent within the camps. FORGE’s Microlending Project addresses this problem by recognizing the resourcefulness and creativity evident in many of Meheba’s residents and supporting their drive to utilize informal business opportunities. The FORGE Microlending Project provides small loans of $150 to give individuals the chance to become self-sufficient and to support their families. The Project also offers business education classes to assist refugees in building successful ventures, as well as locally-tailored support through refugee micro-loan officers. Through this combination of monetary assistance and education, most loanees have realized profits over 100%. Loan by loan, the lending project steadily reduces poverty, increases food security, alleviates dependence on international aid, and allows individuals affected by war to regain control over their lives.
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