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Donation to women's micro lending program strikes chord

NUPGE receives heartfelt letter of thanks from TESDA Women's Centre Alumnae Association

Ottawa (8 Feb 2007) – The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has received a heartfelt thank you from the TESDA Women’s Center Alumnae Association (TWCAA) for its contribution to their Micro Lending Program for Women.

The Micro Lending Program was one of four projects announced at the National Union’s 2006 Conference Building International Sisterhood as part of the National Union’s commitment to building international solidarity.

The TWCAA Micro Lending Program for Women was launched in December 2003 in the Philippines with the goal of helping women escape poverty by establishing their own small businesses. It also assists with job training and placement and the development of cooperatives.

The impact of the program includes: decreased dependence on loan sharks, increased opportunities for women to participate in economic activities, increased contributions by women to household income and increased economic activities in the community and country.

'Deepest gratitude'

During a presentation ceremony of the grant, TWCAA President Ms. Gemma R. Cruz said:

“The TWCAA expresses the deepest gratitude to the National Union of Public and General Employees for the $3,000 (Cdn) grant. The grant will be used as added available funds for the Micro Lending Program, which will help more TWCAA members and women in the community.

“As of this moment, the Micro Lending Program has 162 recipients. All are operating their own business. The program does not end in granting the loan and asking them to pay. TWCAA regularly monitors the recipients and the status of their business."

Cruz added:

“It establishes a network with the TESDA Women’s Center and other non-government organizations for free entrepreneurship, marketing and other business related seminars for the TWCAA members and especially to the Micro Lending recipients. The strategy is aimed to equip the small entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills to face challenges and competition in the business field. More power to Mr. James Clancy and to all members of NUPGE." NUPGE

More information:
NUPGE Global Women’s Projects
Thank you letter from TWCAA - pdf