A Month of Moving Forward
September has been an exciting month for Tiyende Circle. I had the opportunity to return to Zambia, spend time with people in the communities we serve, and see some of the work we've been planning begin to take shape.
There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but this month brought several important first steps—and a clearer picture of where we can make a difference in the future.
Our Mission
We walk alongside individuals in vulnerable and transitional seasons, creating safety, stability, belonging, and pathways to independence.
Stability. Belonging. Growth. Independence.
THE STORY OF THE MONTH
A First Step Toward Independence
What happens when someone already has the determination to build a better future, but needs a little help to turn that determination into opportunity?
This month, Tiyende Circle took an important first step toward answering that question. Our board approved our first investment package, and this week we are providing it to our first recipient.
His name is Peter.
Peter is in his early twenties and was raised by a single mother alongside his two brothers. He's a hardworking young man who has trained in carpentry and other trades, but his goal has always been to own his own business and create greater stability for his family.
After submitting his application, and even before receiving any support from Tiyende Circle, Peter launched a clothing resale business, built his own Facebook/WhatsApp group, and has already attracted several hundred followers.
Now, Tiyende Circle is coming alongside him with an investment to help him grow what he has already begun.
This is what your support makes possible: helping people gain access to the resources they need to take the next step toward greater independence.
Peter is our first investment recipient, and we're excited to see where his hard work takes him.
Here is what we’ve been up to recently:
Business Builders Is Underway!
One of the biggest milestones this month was launching our very first Business Builders cohort. Business Builders provides small business packages and training to first-time entrepreneurs.
We held our first workshop with the inaugural group, bringing together first-time entrepreneurs who are working toward building and growing their businesses.
We don’t simple provide resources— we walk alongside people as they develop the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to build sustainable businesses.
LOOKING AHEAD
We're exploring potential land and housing options for The Love Works™ Initiative, and we're continuing to look at homes for Pamodzi House.
Pamodzi House remains an important goal for us. Our vision is to create a stable, supportive home for our first group of boys and a resource of learning for our entire community.
We're also continuing to evaluate the needs we identified during our time in Zambia and determine where Tiyende Circle can have the greatest impact in the future.
There is a lot ahead of us. And after this month, it feels like we're moving from talking about what Tiyende could become to actually building it!
Tiyende Circle exists because we believe that stability, belonging, growth, and independence can change the trajectory of a person's life.
Thank you for being part of this work and for believing in what we're building.
Shelly Noftle
Founder
Tiyende Circle
