Sefina Masihor (42) lives in a rural outer suburb of Manado and belongs to a loan group from Bridge of Hope, consisting of 17 local women. She is married to husband David Takapaha (49) and has three sons: Novel (24), Marcelling (22) and Einstein (14).

Her husband David is a motorbike taxi driver whilst Novel works locally as a labourer and Marcelling is a petrol pump attendant.  Her youngest son Einstein is still at school.

Sefina joined Bridge of Hope’s micro loan program in March 2006 and together with her other women team members is already on her third loan of Rph 1,000,000 (AU$130).  “I had never borrowed money before,” said Sefina. “But I really like the Bridge or Hope program as it has given me an opportunity to expand the local kiosk I run in my village.”  The first loan Sefina received over a year ago was Rph 500,000 (AU70).

Before receiving her first loan from Bridge of Hope, Sefina was limited on how many products she could sell at the kiosk in her local village.  She started by selling fried bananas and only working two or three days a week.  Through the loan system she has been able to expand the kiosk to include fish, rice, vegetables and other consumables.

“I used to earn about Rph 40,000 per day (AU$5),” said Sefina.  “But now 12 months later I have been able to more than triple that to Rph 150,000 per day (AU$20),” she announced proudly.   And the other women in her group confirmed that, while clapping their hands excitedly and shouted “Yes it’s true – she really does earn that much money”.  They all encouraged their friend to tell more about her successful business.

Sefina is a hard working woman.  Her thriving kiosk, located alongside a narrow, bumpy road in the village is now open seven days a week.  She is a highly motivated lady who is very clear about how the money from the loans is helping her.   More expansion plans are definitely on the horizon.

“I want to build a bigger business,” she said confidently.  “I’m very busy and whilst I get busier as the business expands, it feels good to be busy.  I like it and I’m happy,” she said with a broad smile.  

Sefina’s loan group is a close knit group of women. They are all enjoying being together and supporting each other with any business problems they have.  “It is a lot of fun to do the training together, such as jam making and baking,” said Sefina. “ The training program binds us together.”

Sefina thanks God for looking after her and giving her the opportunity to join the program.  All of the women go to the same church and use some of their money to donate to the church to help the widows there.  Sefina also helps out in her community by assisting with the catering for funeral services.

When asked what she plans to do with her next loan she says: “I can keep expanding the business of course.”  She paused briefly and then added proudly: “And it will help me to keep my son Einstein in high school.   In fact, we want to be able to send him to university.

“The loans I have received from Bridge of Hope have given me that hope,” she concluded.