THE CONTEXT OF YOUR INITIATIVE

Through the chaos of war, AEP wanted turn individuals carrying out small projects into actors for development, facilitating social rehabilitation of those excluded and marginalised from the economic system. That is how the microcredit initiative, which also provides individual human support and technical assistance, started. Through this initiative, those who are excluded can become integrated into the economy and earn a dignified living from their work.

THE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT AS PART OF YOUR INITIATIVE

AEP wishes to provide both financial support and human solidarity through granting loans to individuals carrying out small projects in order to:
- prevent them from falling into poverty,
- encourage their integration into the national economy,
- create new jobs,
- strengthen links between different sectors of civil society.

WHO IS INVOLVED FROM OUR GROUP?

AEP is made up of volunteers and paid employees. All are heavily involved in the work as they form part of a strong team. In total, there are 13 employees, 40 volunteers and several ‘friends’ of AEP who work for the association.

WHICH PARTNERS ARE YOU WORKING WITH ON THIS INITIATIVE?

AEP works in partnership with local financial organisations. We also work in association with USAID and the European Union. Other NGOs and friends support our initiative.

Since its creation, AEP has been granting microcredit and providing individualised support, training and technical assistance within a range of different sectors (ecotourism, access to water, training, etc.).

FUTURE PROSPECTS

AEP hopes to increase its visibility with partners and with those carrying out projects, and is launching an advertising campaign to meet this goal. With the aim of increasing the association’s activity, AEP hopes to increase the number of training programmes offered and make the executive team more effective in order to help more people.

SHARE YOUR PROGRESS AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THIS INITIATIVE

Since its creation, our initiative has supported several hundred families and allowed many people to earn a living from their work. In 2016, 400 families benefitted from AEP’s help, including human and technical support and training sessions.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR INITIATIVE?

During festive periods, AEP works regularly with the Institut Français and has participated in a Christmas market. Furthermore, four of our beneficiaries were put forward for the ‘Micro-Entrepreneurship Awards Ceremony’ organised by the YCMA. One of them was awarded the prize for best entrepreneur in 2016.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROSPECTS?

AEP is always looking for new partners to make the initiative sustainable.