Kiran Morjaria's Review of TASAAGA Micro-Finance Project, Uganda, 2010

Written by Kiran Morjaria


Kiran Morjaria's Review of TASAAGA Micro-Finance 

Project, Uganda, 2010

Which project did you participate in?

The Tasaaga Microfinance project (G.R.O.W.)

When did you go and for how long?

I left for Uganda on 28^th June and flew back on the 23^rd July.

Was the project well-run?

Prior to arriving in Uganda, I was in contact with the project organiser, Bruhan. This was smooth and timely. I had asked to participate jointly in the programme with a colleague and this was not a problem for Tasaaga (although, it was assumed the other volunteer and I were together as a couple, when we were not, which altered the living arrangements when we arrived at the compound). Bruhan was very good with email communication.

Upon arriving in Uganda, we were met at the airport, which was great.

After settling in for a day or so, it became apparent we had been mixed up with another set of volunteers that was due to arrive and were due to work on another project. It was then clear that Tasaaga was not prepared for us. This was slightly frustrating, since my colleague and I were eager to get going with the project. However, after a brief meeting a few days after our arrival, we set up a plan to continue the work that Bruhan had started on the project before our arrival.

It was quite a haphazard affair. The organisation prior to our arrival was poor. It appeared that the loans that had been given out to women were not properly administered or monitored. Furthermore, it seemed that the organisation provided little support for the women other than in financial terms.

To some degree, this was welcome for us, since from a selfish perspective, it allowed us to really dig deep into the organisation of the project and almost set up something from scratch.

However, many aspects were well thought out, such as the loan amounts, payment re-period, default arrangements etc. However, on-going support for the loan recipients was not there; neither was on-going documentation of their progress or the project operations.

Certainly, it would appear though, that the project was having a positive impact. However, it was very much in its initial stages but, with continued upkeep, the project could certainly be a long-term success.

In regards to the maintenance of the volunteers, I would have to say that the organisation was as equally haphazard as the initial stages of the project itself. There were times when we were waiting long periods for Bruhan in order to get going on the project, or just to find out what we would be doing for the day. Unfortunately, this was a waste of time since, we had wanted to be fully involved with the project as much as possible and these periods detracted from this. It appears that Bruhan could have delegated the support and organisation of the volunteers to someone else since, Tasaaga now appears to have a number of projects running simultaneously with Bruhan overseeing them all.

Were you able to participate in all the activities you signed up for?

As previously mentioned, I was able to participate in the programme I has wanted to, though there was a delay in doing so.

Did you encounter any problems?

I did not encounter any problems of significance during my stay.

What was the best part of your experience there?

Without a doubt, it was staying in the village. Everyone was very welcoming, the kids were great. It was fulfilling. Camping was excellent. Certainly this was the best part.

Would you recommend it to others?

Honestly, I would have to say, yes and no. I suppose in that case I am undecided, meaning, right now, I would probably not.

Undoubtedly, Bruhan is a man of vision and has a social conscious and desire to help others around him and improve their situation. However, it was difficult at times to see how the money donated or paid out as volunteering fees was spent. I believe more transparency would allow volunteers to donate freely in the safe knowledge that their funds are being put to good use.

In terms of organisation, I believe there is much improvement that can be made. Yet Tasaaga is clearly willing and able to adapt to the needs of volunteers which helps in the process.

How did you find out about them?

was informed about them through my colleague.