“God Won’t Forsake Me”
Guest Post by Hope Global Investments
HOPE Global Investments, LLC (HGI) is an investment vehicle of HOPE International that enables accredited investors to provide debt financing to HOPE microfinance institutions (MFIs) around the world for follow-on lending to local small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs). Building on HOPE’s 21-year track record of successful MFI lending and gospel proclamation, HGI’s strong controls and shared risk structure present a unique opportunity for low-risk, high-impact investing into hard-to-reach small businesses.
Struggling to Survive
“In 1994, when I was seven years old, I lost both of my parents during [the Rwandan] genocide.” Without other options, David Harerimana began living on the streets. While many orphaned children turned to selling and using illicit drugs, David offered to help adults carry their goods across town, who in return who give him 100 Rwandan francs—the equivalent of 10 cents. He managed to survive day to day for the next 15 years, eventually working as a machinist repairing cars.
Working with Urwego Bank
In 2019, a neighbor told him about Urwego Bank. With a $245 loan guaranteed by his community bank group, David purchased land for building a home. As Urwego taught him how to save and repay his loan, he accessed more loans to build a home and eventually open a car repair shop of his own. Since then, David and his wife welcomed three children into their family and adopted two teenagers who had been living on the streets.
Providing for Others
Since joining Urwego, “I have put my kids in a better school, feed my children all meals, and pay health insurance for my family.” David’s provision hasn’t stopped with his immediate family; he’s paid school fees for four children in his community, built a toilet for his neighbor, and paid health insurance for two others.
Innovating Amid the Pandemic
When lockdowns halted transportation of car parts, David felt the impact immediately. “Even feeding my family was a struggle those four months.” Urwego Bank provided a restructuring loan so he could stay afloat and make necessary changes to his business, pivoting to making car seats from scratch. It was a huge help to both my business and family. And I’m happy to say the restructuring loan has been paid off.”
Demand for his automobile services has continued to increase, and today, he has enough business to employ six people, and also rents out garage space to five entrepreneurs. David reflects, “ ... A street kid who is now providing jobs to others. At times, I think back and wonder if this is truly me. Urwego Bank has become my parent, truth be told.”
