Before moving to Oujda, Morocco I learned my mother’s business of trading merchandise. To increase my business’ profit I began buying contraband merchandise, which was extremely risky. Several times I lost all of my merchandise at custom checks, which left me vulnerable to risk. I had many financial problems since the salary of my husband was not sufficient to cover the costs of raising our three children.
One day I heard about Foundation Zakoura through women in my neighborhood. The staff was very welcoming and after telling them about my business we agreed on a loan of 1000Dh (US$125) to begin a small project to buy and resell wholesale clothing.
Not long after, I was approved for a second loan of 5000 Dh, which went entirely towards my business. The profits that I made helped solve my personal and family problems. I was even able to help my oldest son, Abderahman, with his marriage and now he is following the family business of reselling clothing. Foundation Zakoura recently began lending to men, and my son has just been approved to take out a loan to buy more merchandise.
Since receiving my first loan from Foundation Zakoura, I have become one of the most active women at my branch. I take advantage of other activities that they offer like theater and environmental awareness training. I also read Zakoura’s weekly newspaper which is written in clear and simple language for women like me with only a primary education.
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technology, we help the poor, mostly
women, start self-sustaining businesses to
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