This past week I’ve been dedicating every waking hour (and many fitful dreams) to one purpose: helping my SACCO convert their accounting system into the 21st century. I returned the other week to Baitambogwe to find Moses excitedly hooking up an ancient looking monitor to an even older computer system, yellowed with age and neglect. He explained he bought the computer second hand so that the SACCO could convert all of their member files into digital form, rendering more accurate accounting and easier monthly reports.
Sounds like a fantastic idea; what better way to connect the SACCO to better money management than to digitalize their system? Except for one small problem: the overall computer knowledge of the management team is about that of the average American second grader, leaving me with the monumental task of not only converting the files, but educating the SACCO as to how to maintain the records. Some of these men have never used a computer, let alone Microsoft Excel. Moses has taken a few classes, and generally knows his way around computer basics, but he’s completely lost when it comes to entering formulas. In fact, he’s completely lost when it comes to the algebra required!
The one mathematician of the SACCO has never used a computer; the one computer savvy member never graduated 6th grade. And now I’m supposed to change the entire system into a computer format, when I myself, haven’t used Excel since high school. I tried telling them I wasn’t the person to ask, that a large percentage of my computer knowledge consists mainly of instant messaging and uploading pictures…but the message was largely lost and the task of converting the files again fell firmly on my shoulders.
The overwhelming task and the pressure put on me to complete it all before I leave has sent me into fits of stress and tears. I know they’re expecting miracles, a brand new system that flawlessly works and calculates all their figures for them. I know they’re expecting something that will take care of all the mistakes and contradicting paperwork and allow them to run monthly reports at the click of a button. I know they think that I can do all of this (because they’ve told me) but the fact of the matter is I have never accomplished a project of this nature. Me? Accounting? Math? If they only knew I dropped honors pre-calc back in high school, flunked the physics test I prepared for two years for, and passed college algebra only because it was online and open book. My primary interest in microfinance is the human impact, the ability to change lives and empower woman. Hand me a calculator and force me to run the numbers of the business, and I’ll be more than lost.
Not that it would matter anyway; I’m still more qualified than them- scary as that is. I have little over two weeks to convert over 367 files and find a program that can connect each member’s records so that monthly and annual reports can be run without opening 367 different documents. I think Microsoft Access is the best program for this, although my knowledge on this program is even less than Excel. Thankfully, I have my dear step-father toiling over the project back in the states. I figure if I can at least implement a “locked” version of a member’s file, with all the correct calculations, then they can enter the data without me. I’m still unsure how we’ll connect all the files, but I have faith that something will work out.
I’m excited that I’ve been given such an opportunity to help. I really think Baitambogwe can accomplish some amazing things if given the right opportunity. The management team is very empowered to continually progress and better the institution. They all crowd around the computer, eager to learn, as I try to explain how a computer works, what the internet is, or how, when you push the keyboard, the letters show up “like magic” on the screen. They’re so excited! Hopefully I’ll be able to make a lasting impact by aiding them in bettering the SACCO and pushing the institution into the technological age. I feel like I’m giving them the tools to their own future, and to see the excited looks on their faces is truly very rewarding.
My last plea: I’ve decided I would like to give these gentleman a proper education on computers, especially on the accounting programs we’re implementing in the SACCO; Excel, Access, and even Word. It’s very difficult to dedicate my full attention on teaching them the basics when I’m working so hard to educate myself as to what would be the best program for the member’s files. Many of these gentlemen lack the very basic computer skills you and I take for granted; therefore I find myself an inadequate teacher. I have found a computer class in Jinja that teaches basic computer skills, and even more detailed courses on the above programs. The cost for these programs is USD $80.
I’m trying to find the money to be able to send Moses (the manager), the cashier, and the three loan officers to these classes. For them, the money is out of reach and the SACCO simply doesn’t have enough assets to provide them with the training. If anyone is interested in donating towards the cause, please contact me at Shalayne.Pillar@gmail.com or send checks to my family at 11433 E. Ramona Ave. Mesa, AZ 85212. They will ensure the money gets to me; I will pre-pay for the classes and give the management team money for transportation to Jinja.
I hope some of you out there reading this feel the need to help! I think it would truly empower them to succeed and better the SACCO. These men are quite remarkable and would devour the chance to become educated. Thank you!!!!
