WWB network member enda in Tunisia, which has 60 offices nationally, continues to operate amid a change in government that has left the country in an uneasy limbo. Michael Cracknell, co-director of enda, wrote “We are naturally concerned for our operations and our staff, and especially our clients. I learned yesterday that at least three have died. But we are trying to keep our operations working since the clients need us more now than before, especially some whose businesses have been damaged. One or two enda branches have been burned and several have had windows broken but I think mostly we are up and working again. The headquarters has been spared.” Enda, which began micro-credit in 1995, has served more than 256,000 clients and has a current gross loan portfolio of 79 million dinars (approximately US$ 54 million). In 2004 it expanded beyond urban client to focus on the rural poor. The organization also provides clients with business development services to help them manage and improve their skills and businesses.
Enda is currently studying how it can provide exceptional support for the most affected clients and is accelerating its work on a youth-oriented product which will include training in business skills prior to granting a loan.
“The clients have show extraordinary solidarity with enda in these troubled times”, stated Essma Ben Hamida, the Executive Director.
Women’s World Banking wishes our partner in Tunisia a quick return to calm and safety for their clients and staff.
