Ramallah -10-10-2008

Asala announced that in the 3^rd quarter of 2008, it distributed 405 loans valued at USD $572,400.  Of this total, 199 loans were distributed in the West Bank valued at USD $465, 700, and 206 loans were distributed in the Gaza Strip valued at USD $106,700. 

This total is distributed as 113 loans valued at USD $201,900 in September, 199 loans valued at USD $228,400 in August, and 93 loans valued at USD $142,100 in July.

Through Asala's follow up with clients to provide mentoring, counseling and training, Asala's team implemented in the third quarter of 2008 3,386 field visits.  Of the total field visits 1,326 took place in the West Bank and 2,135 took place in the Gaza Strip. 

During the Ramadan Iftar Activities, which are part of Asala/Irada's Business Clubs, 565 Palestinian women participated.  During these events there were awards given for outstanding micro entrepreneurs.  Further, Asala's micro entrepreneurs and Irada's trainees had discussions and gave presentations related to their successful experiences.

Also during the third quarter and through the Irada project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), 170 Palestinian women were trained. Each training course in 30 hours long and deals with issues related to finance, marketing and management in ways that are relevant to micro entrepreneurs. This project is currently piloting in the West Bank, but hopes to launch soon in the Gaza Strip. These courses took place after coordination with relevant organizations throughout the West Bank including the Betheny Association, the Women's Affairs Technical Committee, Al Nawras Cultural Center, Muftah, and the Tulkarem Kindergarten Center.