Michael Leen, Maryknoll Lay Missioner (USA)
Michael, a Maryknoll Lay Missioner from the United States of America, joined EBLI in May 2014. He runs Young Mothers Entrepreneurship and Group Enterprise, focusing on economic empowerment of young women. Michael has work experience in brand management and marketing, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He will be living among the poor and working with EBLI in Mwanza, Tanzania for at least three and a half years. Michael is accompanied in mission by his wife and fellow Maryknoll Lay Missioner, Ashley. |
Tobias Peltenburg, Interteam (Switzerland)
Tobias, a capacity building specialist with Interteam, joined EBLI in May 2015. He is from Switzerland and has a background in finance, economics and business. Tobias will be working primarily on finance and accounting systems and processes, however; he is also collaborating with Michael Leen on employment opportunities for young mothers. Tobias is expected to be in Mwanza, Tanzania with EBLI for the next three years, and is joined by his wife, Cornelia, and their two small children, Anna and Siro. |
Song Yoo, KOICA (South Korea)
Originally from South Korea, Song is a volunteer from Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and will be partnering with Upendo Daima computer instructor, Seth Kabialo, to assist in the teaching of computer literacy to young mothers. Song has a background in youth leadership and is very proficient in computer skills. She joined EBLI in late June 2015 and should be with us for the next two years. |
Tara Weideman/Gabriella Teixeira, Western University (Canada)
Two Canadian interns from Western University, Tara and Gabriella, began their three-month internship at EBLI in late May June 2015. Their intern assignment is two-fold: (1) assess the job market in Mwanza and provide recommendations for which business opportunities (self-employment) or forms of labor (employment) are most in need and the requisite skills EBLI should be imparting to best prepare young mothers for these opportunities, and (2) conduct frequent and ongoing follow-ups of young mothers currently in business and provide a report on the status of their business, life condition and gaps to help lift them out of poverty. We are pleased to have them with us and have already been impressed with their contribution. |