Vision Fund

What a joyful day of learning it was for Team Gulu!  Today we spent the day hearing about microfinance through Vision Fund.  Vision Fund is the integrated partner organization of World Vision that provides economic support to communities in order to help them achieve a reliable source of income and livelihood.  

What makes Vision Fund (VF) different from other microfinance organizations?  First off, VF is RELATIONAL banking at its best!  All VF customers have already experienced World Vision working in their communities before VF begins to engage them.  Richard, one of our VF field officers, stated it best.  He said, “World Vision is like John the Baptist, they prepare the way for Vision Fund!”  J 

Another aspect of Vision Fund that makes it unique is that all VF approved clients must demonstrate that the result of their loan will strengthen their immediate families and the larger community of children in which they live and work.  This means the loans will enable families to build business so that they can feed, clothe, and send their children to school.

All VF clients undergo an extensive training process with a field officer.  Field officers spend time getting to know their clients, families, and communities.  They will ask questions about the welfare of their children and the client’s business plans.  All clients will undergo training to understand the loan procedure, payback schedule, and how to responsibly steward their loan.  I think their model could go a long way back home!

I was especially struck by one of the clients we met today, Peter.  Peter farms sweet potatoes.  He had one amazing looking garden!  Peter has acquired a VF loan and has devised an irrigation system with the funds to expand his crop growing ability. Peter’s loan has now made a complete and beautiful circle.  While we visited his farm, his customers arrived to negotiate a purchase.  Peter is selling sweet potatoes to 3 major organizations:  Harvest Plus, Save the Children, and WORLD VISION!  The dignity that was clearly visible in Peter was beautiful to witness.  Peter talked about how Richard, his field officer, had afforded him the same dignity when they first met.  Peter is now employing others in his community and encouraging them in their business efforts.  His gratitude and selflessness were clearly evident.  Peter’s departing words to us were, “You have encouraged me with your visit to work even harder.”

I am reminded of Luke 12:42:

“ The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”

I leave you with one final thought.  “Life in all its fullness” includes building dignity in others through work.  Vision Fund is an important partner in reaching this goal.  My prayer for every struggling community and individual in Gulu is this:

“No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.”  Isaiah 65:22

Love, Renee