Bremen, Germany
General meeting and board election

KETAAKETI has a new board!

This year's well-attended general meeting took place on Friday, August 29, 2025. Elections for the new board were held in conjunction with the meeting. After more than 18 years as chair of KETAAKETI, founder and initiator Anneli-Sofia Räcker is now confidently handing over the reins to her younger colleagues. Räcker says she will continue to support the new board in her new role as honorary chair with appreciation and expertise.

We congratulate Nico Weers (previously Deputy Chair) on his election as the new Chair of the Board! Ada Aust (head of the country team), Ines Heise (head of public relations), and Lea Koch (head of evaluation) were elected as deputy chairpersons. The new board thus has a strong and competent composition with a wealth of expertise, continuing to be competently supported by Stephan Breitenkamp as treasurer.

This multi-generational board is a very well-prepared step, and we thank the members for their trust in joining us on this journey.

The board will report more on its plans and goals shortly.

One thing is certain:

The innovative KETAAKETI model is set to grow further—for the people in the partner countries, for more self-determined paths out of poverty!

Liberia

KETAAKETI partner organization defies economic challenges

The KETAAKETI partner organization Sustainable Livelihood Support Program (SLSP) is currently facing economic challenges due to US dollar inflation and fluctuating exchange rates between the Liberian and US currencies. This instability makes it difficult for
beneficiaries to successfully utilize their microfinance. To counteract this, SLSP has introduced mini-cooperatives and an insurance bond system, in which group members transfer funds to a group leader. A portion of the profits serves as a guarantee, which is either repaid at the end of the loan cycle or used to cover defaults.

There have also been tragic events in recent months, including fires in the West Point slum
and fatal motorcycle accidents that affected some beneficiaries.

Despite these challenges, SLSP's microfinance program continues to grow. Many participants are requesting larger financial support to expand their businesses. Looking ahead, SLSP plans to invest more heavily in agriculture and fisheries, particularly cassava cultivation, to create sustainable income opportunities.
To this end, the program actively seeks
financing opportunities and partnerships.

SLSP remains committed to supporting the
communities and creating long-term economic stability.

Nepal

Preserving traditions, strengthening village communities through KETAAKETI microfinance

The first men's group in Nepal works with KETAAKETI microfinance.

For five years, SPOWC has been supporting a village in the Kavre district with interest-free KETAAKETI microfinance and pass-through. The women grow potatoes, raise goats, set up sewing workshops, and much more. For a year now, they've also had a group of musicians performing at festivals and weddings. They are the very first men's group in Nepal to receive microfinance. The next group of young men is already waiting to get started. They have already purchased their own instruments by passing on the money from the first group and are now being taught how to play by the musicians.