Microfinance for Poverty Reduction Project in Zambia is run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV) with technical assistance from Grameen Trust. The project started in July 2004 as a pilot for three years and is mainly aimed at developing an effective microfinance model for poverty reduction in Zambia.
On the morning of 25th April, the branch team got a pleasant surprise visit . The visitor was Matt Damon, an Academy Award winning actor from Hollywood. Damon was in Zambia on a five-day field trip organized by DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) an advocacy organization founded by U2 lead singer and social activist Bono. Damon has won an Oscar for his screenplay Good Will Hunting and starred in several other blockbusters, such as Talented Mr. Ripley, Ocean's Eleven, Saving Private Ryan, The Bourne Identity, and most recently Syriana.
During his visit, Matt Damon and his screenwriter, artist brother Kyle Damon paid a courtesy visit to the local chieftain and then proceeded to visit center No.11 in Chishiko village. The microfinance clients at Center 11 were excited about meeting the distinguished visitors and showing them what they have achieved.
Matt and Kyle Damon talked with the women at the center and also visited three of the members' homes. He also visited the local market to see what kind of businesses the women were engaged in. The women proudly explained to him how they had been able to gain financial independence, improve their nutrition, sent their children to school and take care of orphans.
When Matt asked whether the fact that the women were suddenly making their own money, had an influence on the social dynamics of the families. "Oh yes!" the clients said with one voice, "There is much more respect now". The project staff has noticed the same. "The clients have become much more vocal and self-confident and they are beginning to have a say on important decisions in the family,"
"What if everybody starts using their loans for same kind of business?" Matt asked from Rashid who explained to him about the Grameen Bank training and supervision elements, that serve to ensure that the clients develop a sense for business taking into consideration the local market. In general, Matt seemed to know a great deal about microfinance and the Grameen Bank model in advance. He is also conversant with world trade and debt relief issues.
The objective of the visit was for the celebrity to learn more about the work being done on HIV/AIDS and poverty reduction in Africa. This objective was met as Matt reported on his website how this effort was yielding positive results and giving hope to people living in extreme conditions.
MPRP At A Glance
August 2006 |
| Number of Branches |
02 |
| Number of Centers |
40 |
| Number of Groups |
205 |
| Members |
1025 |
| Tota disbursements |
US$ 1,67,000 |
| Total outstanding |
US$78,753 |
| Total saving |
US$33,290 |
UNDP Report 
