CPES-PIH

Year(s) of Partnership: 2009-Present

The 41 members of CPES-PIH (Cooperative of Students Sponsored by Partners In Health) are graduates of Partners In Health's school fees program, which supports highly vulnerable, HIV-affected youth to attend secondary school. The members were financially or otherwise unable to continue their studies in university. They formed a cooperative to explore possibilities for professional and economic development.

Results: Through the pin-making program, CPES-PIH has saved nearly $2,000. They are currently receiving training from the Partners In Health microfinance team on basic loan policies, entrepreneurship, and small business management. They will use this training to manage their own savings and credit program, which will emphasize supporting small businesses founded by groups of CPES-PIH members who cannot continue their studies.