| Social Outreach |
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In our ministries, we seek to filter the Gospel and its values throughout the fabric of our society, having a special concern for the poor. Over the years our ministry in education and faith development has expanded beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
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| HOPE [Helping Ourselves Prosper Economically] |
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In 2000, Sr. Rosario Hackshaw initiated a micro-credit programme which was given the very appropriate name HOPE [Helping Ourselves Prosper Economically] as its aim is the eradication of poverty in Trinidad.
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This is done through extending small loans [$2000] without collateral to the poor to enable them to invest in or develop their own income-generating activity. It also provides participants with training in management, marketing, co-operation and accountability.
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| The inspiration for HOPE |
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| HOPE is modelled on the Grameen Bank founded by Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh to provide small loans to the poorest of the poor in order to launch businesses and so lift their families out of poverty.
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| Collateral is not needed and the banking system is based on group support, mutual trust, accountability, participation and creativity. Yunus received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his innovative system which has spread to every continent transforming family life and society. |
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"These millions of small people with their millions of small pursuits
can add up to create the biggest development wonder."
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Sample HOPE Projects
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- Agriculture – short crops, poultry, pigs, sheep & goat rearing.
- Market vending
- Manufacture - leather goods, jewellery, soft furnishing, etc.
- Catering: all sorts of food vending, etc.
- Small shops, etc.
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With businesses developed, second loans are often for home improvements, the installation of indoor toilets, electricity and family educational needs.
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The growth of HOPE |
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Since the year 2000 when HOPE was founded, it has spread to five different areas throughout
the country: |
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- Sangre Grande was the first area and it now has
14 centres and 1,500 loans disimbursed.
- Mayaro [2002] has 12 centres and over 850 loans.
- North Coast with 326 loans to date began in 2003.
- Central started in 2004 and has given 314 loans.
- Penal/Debe: 5 loans [money needed to develop].
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| The Challenge for the Future |
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People are clamouring for loans as the success of HOPE's assistance is seen in others' lives, but no further expansion can take place unless we have more capital. If you feel you would like to assist HOPE in this noble aim of reducing the poverty of the poor in Trinidad, please contact:
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Sr. Rosario Hackshaw, Director - HOPE,
266 Rosewood Drive, Valencia.
Tel. 667 9109
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| « Social Justice 2 |
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