Today has gone past really quickly. After spending last week trying to understand more about the operations and specifics of MLF and its customers, organising my own thoughts, discussing ideas with faith, preparing various subsequent action plans and lists, as well as making initial contact with various organisations which I am trying to target for funding, today, I realised how much could potentially be done. Remaining 4 and a half weeks now seem like such a short time! I can just see how I could be here for 4 months and be busy and very interested every day of those...My main concern now is to deliver within the 4 weeks, not the 4 months...
As I mentioned before, my main objective is to raise funds and build sustainable partnerships, as the bloodline for MLF had been cut off, and the budgets are now running dry, yet the demands are not decreasing. I am feeling the pressure, and more so, when we go out to the meetings with clients.
At the meeting we had this morning, the clients found themselves in a tricky situation - they want to apply for a 3d cycle of loans, however some of their group members had dropped out, so now replacement members need to be found, so that collectively they can qualify for the next loan cycle (there is a minimum requirement for the number of group members). Women were very disappointed as January is a difficult month - with all the holidays money run out much quicker than any other month of the year, but their regular payments must be paid regardless. The group concept has been created to protect them, but also it something that sometimes holds them back - if some of the group members do not play ball. The lead of the group owns a cosmetics resale business, and debt collection agency. Another member imports fish, another one sells fruits. They have now completed second cycle and would like to borrow again, which means we are talking about loans of couple of hunder pounds per person - this is what supports their livelihood and children's education. What happens if they have no access to these loans anymore...
When we get back to the office, I get on the phone. Some success, I have 3 meetings set up for the week I am in Windhoek, and 2 meetings for this week with local organisations - all before 3pm. Not bad :) In my conversation with UN Development programme Leader, we discuss that they are looking for partners to support their targeted projects in 9 areas of Windhoek, and we can provide suitable support. I am keen to get her to talk to me in person, even though we are only present in 1 of those areas...I just want to get through the door ;) The voice on the other end of the phone line sounds positive. 'Let's talk', she says. I am expected in the UN - I like the sound of it (even if all that means is that I have a half an hour chat in a small local project office, that's just details!). A couple of other development funds and corporate have agreed to listen to what I have to say... I will worry about whether I actually have something to say later..
After lunch I get a call from someone I met over the weekend - he is in the area. He used to work for E&Y and now owns his own construction company - freelancing, as he calls it. It is good to know people - turns out he knows a fellow ex-E&Y who would be a good fit for a position MLF have been trying to staff for a while - Finance manager. He is not a standard candidate or an obvious choice for larger organisations, but sounds like he could be a good shot. I have the CV and an interview set up within the next hour. This guy better be good!
By the time I have looked through other potential grant opportunities, and started a couple of grant applications, it was already end of the day... First shift rather. There are so many things that could be done...There are not enough hours in the day!
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