A recipient of the Zero Interest Loan of 15,000 from Entrepreneurs Associates (EA), during a programme at Jalukie Town on March 11.
Jalukie, March 12 (MExN): Twenty-seven years old Keyilungle, a street vendor from Jalukie Town received Zero Interest Loan of 15,000 from Entrepreneurs Associates (EA), during a programme at Jalukie Town on March 11. The loan is to enable her to pay off her previous loan which she borrowed at 10% per annum from loan sharks which has been depriving her from making any profits.
According to a press note, oost the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, EA has been assisting street vendors with interest free loans; supported by Capri Global Capital Ltd, when it was observed that vendors were finding huge difficulties to repay loans even with very little interests.
Keyilungle was also one of the 125 women who attended EA’s program ‘Uplifting Women Street Vendors’ in Jalukie town, at the JTWWO hall, which is the second of such training in Peren District. Street vendors from Jalukie Town and neighboring villages from both the daily markets and weekly bazaars came to discuss their challenges while also listening to resource persons who enlightened them on issues relevant to the need.
“This program for street vendors, was started by EA after extended observations made about the difficulties of vendors in making significant progress” shared Neikule Doulo, Head of Communications & Advisor of EA. Encouraging the women to give their very best in their work while aspiring for a better future, Neikule shared stories of vendors from the first training in October 2017, at EA Kohima office, who have bought land and even scaled their enterprises after determined financial planning. The training has so far spread across Nagaland and even into the neighboring state of Manipur where such programs are being organized, impacting more than 4200 women street vendors.
Speaking on the importance of health care and hygiene for women vendors, Dr Asappe, Medical Superintendent ANH & DC, Jalukie educated the women about the need to frequently wash their hands, have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. He also shared that many of the diseases are caused by unhealthy lifestyle especially unclean living standards. The medical officer stated that masks should be made an essential part of lifestyles even post COVID 19 pandemic as its usage provides multiple benefits.
The ADC of Jalukie, Dr Tinojongshi Chang thanked EA for the initiative and encouraged the women to take advantage of the opportunity to connect with the organization. The administrator highlighted the industrious nature of women in Jalukie and the fact that they drive homes and families in many instances. Dr Tinojongshi also offered the women any form of assistance that they may require from his team for the smooth functioning of their businesses.
The programme was chaired by Chunjanglu, Operations Supervisor, EA and Ichuheilie Ken, Women Coordinator, JLBC beseeched God’s blessings upon the gathering.
During the discussion, the women vendors from the town highlighted their problems as they go about their daily activities, especially bringing to the fore, the absence of toilet in Jalukie Bazaar. The vendors also shared their challenges of accessing loans at low interest, as local loans are available at very high interest rates, while also noting that there is a need for such seminars and workshops for them.
