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 February 2007 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Life & Leisure Small Town Woman Goes Global By Nancy Eckerson
Turning 50 with a difference! That’s the motto of Alden’s Deborah Naybor, land surveyor, author, speaker, community activist and philanthropist. This year, rather than receiving presents, in June, for her 50th birthday, Deborah will be going to Africa to give out gifts. Nancy Eckerson: What got you started going to Africa? Deborah Naybor: In 1998, I attended an awards dinner honoring women leaders from around the world. I met a woman from Malawi and in ten minutes of discussing our lives, we knew we were kindred spirits. She invited me to speak in her country to women and girls about empowerment. So in 2000, I made the trip to Malawi and South Africa, speaking to hundreds of children, young women and women business owners. When I returned home, I received a letter from a woman who had been beaten her whole adult life by her husband, but hearing me, she had finally had the courage to leave. I also met Sarah on that first trip, who was later stoned to death after reporting domestic violence. I couldn’t forget what I had seen. NE: We understand that you are involved in helping women with start up micro-loan programs. How do those work? DN: The first group I started micro loans with was a group I met in Uganda in 2003. The women had met for three years to try to form a loan group and had only saved $7 for the 37 members. I gave them $250 and instructed them to loan $25 to each of ten women. When they paid it back, interest free, the next ten would receive the same amount. The first ten reported they had doubled their income in one year with the increase in capital. NE: Where does your organization do most of its work? DN: Around the world. Both Your Hands has over 50 projects in eight countries, in about 30 villages, cities and slums. The eight countries are Nepal, Senegal, Uganda, Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, and the U.S. I also consult on projects in other countries such as Ethiopia. We’ve only been a nonprofit since 2004, with an annual budget of only $20,000 yet we’ve built schools, a medical clinic, created jobs and started new businesses. It’s estimated that we’ve positively and permanently changed over 100,000 lives. NE: Do you sponsor programs in the U.S.? DN: I work with three native women’s groups in Wyoming, Minnesota and Alaska. This past Christmas, I worked with Tundra Women’s Coalition in Bethel, Alaska to provide a warm holiday for 40 families who desperately needed snowsuits, boots and warm clothes for their kids. Also, last year, Both Your Hands provided 1,200 toys to 125 children who’d lost their homes to Katrina. It’s a bit more difficult to work in the U.S. — more expensive, more rules about what you can do. In the U.S., there are many ways to get help — a church, a government institution, a friend or relatives with resources. In the developing nations, there is no social security, no welfare, no soup kitchens. With $2,000 I built a school in Malawi, with $3,500 I started seven businesses for 100 widows. In the U.S., that $5,000 would not have gone very far. NE: How can we help you accomplish more? DN: Monetary donations are best. Just $10 is enough to create a new business for a poor woman. For more information, check my website: www.bothyourhands.org. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
