Once again this year the Mosman Music Academy held their Annual Music of Love and Abundance Concert on December 12th, 2009 at The Star of the Sea Theatre in Manly.  There were over 150 people in attendance and over 40 acts showcasing various talents from singing to dancing. The Compassion partner of Manly Manado was invited once again this year to speak on the Child Survival Program. Manly Manado would like to thank Susie Wang, Music Director and all the participants for their generous financial contributions. 

All funds raised on the day will go directly to support the Child Survival Program.

Marjan, a Muslim man from Kembes Village near Manado, lives with his two daughters in a hut adjoining his workshop,.

A blacksmith by trade, Marjan would make knives and grass cutting tools to support his family.  He was able to make one to two knives a day with most of the work done by hand, buying scrap metal, firing it, hammering it and then hand filing it into shape.  These would then be sold at a local market on Bunaken Island for 2500Rp (or AU$3.50) each.

Marjan then joined the Kembes Village Trust Bank, run by Bridge of Hope.  Through involvement in this Microenterprise Development Program, Marjan was provided with a small loan to expand his business, and used the money to purchase an angle grinder.  This equipment increased his output to three or four knives per day.  He plans to use the next loan to purchase a fan; this will enable him to increase the heat of the fire and further increase productivity.

In addition to finance, Marjan receives training on business planning.  The Trust Bank meets every week, and the partners assist each other in their businesses, sometimes to the point of taking shared ownership if someone is unable to make a repayment due to illness or slow business. Savings are encouraged and facilitated, creating a buffer for hard times or medical emergencies.

These days Marjan has great hope, because he has seen a way out of his previous constrictive circumstances.