"My name is Dalphine Makanya. I’m 36 years old and belong to the Chitukuko women’s credit group in Kafue Zambia. 'Chitukuko' means development. I’m married - my husband is Hector Mwale. He is 45 and works as a delivery driver. We have 3 children together and I look after two other children. There are 7 of us living together in a rented 3-bedroom house. I started school at 7 and dropped out at 18. We got married when I was 20 and I had my first child at 21 years.
What I love about Microloan Foundation is the fair interest rate they offer, which is lower than other financial institutions I've worked with. Since I joined the Chitukuko women's credit group, I have learnt how to save and how to calculate profit, loss and costs. I’m saving money to build a shop at the market on the piece of land I bought.
Before I got a 1,000 kwacha (about £82) loan from the Microloan Foundation I used to just sell groceries. Now I also sell fruit and vegetables outside my shop. My husband also supports me and helps me when I face difficulties with my repayments."