Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) is the poorest province in Indonesia. Government estimates indicate 80% of the population has an income of less than $2 a day per household. Additionally  84% of the population live in rural areas where infrastructure, transport and utilities are very limited. Almost 60% of the population have only a basic education and 17% are illiterate.

Economic Empowerment is a project of Tanaoba Lais Manekat to see the economic, social and spiritual transformation of people through the provision of small loans, officially known as ‘microcredit’.
These small loans are provided to poor people, especially women. Approximately $100 is given to each woman in groups of five. Each group meets weekly and at these meetings a field officer provides training and collects loan repayments. Businesses are small and generally operate daily or weekly at local markets. Many clients sell basic household items and daily needs such as sugar, rice, vegetables, fruits, fish, meats, kerosene and soaps. People are encouraged to save for education and health expenses. The program grows with its clients as businesses grow and individuals become eligible to receive larger loans typically $300.

To download a project information sheet please click here.