Training

We have discovered that training is the foundation of our ministry. Once learned, people own it forever. They can use it according to their own insights, skills and abilities. And they can pass it along to others. Training is the ultimate sustainable ministry.

Business Training
​We have modules that cover a wide range of topics such as Increasing Sales, Marketing, Taking Care of Customers, Market Assessment, Financial Management, Business Planning and Leadership.  Most of our students find ideas that they can put into practice immediately if they have a small business.

Personal Financial Management
This is one of the most significant, and gratifying, portions of our training.  As we show people - often no more than one generation removed from a crop-to-mouth existence - how to manage their cash more effectively, we have seen transformation at every level: Adults, children, even churches and ministries!

Local Economic Development
Many people have had experience with local Self-Help groups, and usually those experiences have been bad - simply because they never learned good process and policies. NVI's training solves that problem - we provide a thorough, hands-on training process that helps  people establish systems to help them grow locally.

Capital

Inability to find capital is one of the reasons people remain locked in poverty. NVI's program provides capital at no- to low-interest rates so our students can grow their business and create an income.

Savings Groups
Savings Groups (technically called "Savings and Credit Associations" or SCAs) form the backbone of our ministry.  They are more than just a place to come and make a savings deposit. They are supportive groups for problem-solving, prayer, counsel and encouragement.  Without them, many people feel alone and trapped in poverty.  With support and prayer, people often can find ways to deal with challenges.

Small Loans
Where needed, we provide no- to low-interest rate loans once the borrower has demonstrated their  commitment to Christian stewardship, and has clearly explained their plan for the money and how it will be repaid.

Development

NVI uses a tested process for helping under-resourced communities develop Self-Help Groups that work. As a result, Self-Help Groups become important local resources, helping bring peace and financial stability to their members.

Self-Help Groups
Many under-resourced communities do not have access to institutions that Westerners take for granted - a way to save cash safely or insurance against a sudden crisis.  NVI's training not only provides important resources for the groups, but guidelines that allow the group to achieve accountability and self-governance.

Partner With Local Ministries
​The foundation of our work is to partner with local organizations already providing ministry in a given area.  They generally will know better than we do what the real needs are, how the community works, and how best to serve the people.  The House of Hope (Katito, Kenya) is one such example.

The Outcomes

With the Gospel as our foundation, through training, development and capital, NVI helps people achieve capability, sustainability and dignity as they move from poverty to financial stability.

Capability
Through training we give our students the opportunity to put their own insights, skills and abilities to work, helping them grow a business and build life-giving relationships.

Sustainability
NVI's training builds people, not programs. Once learned, our trainees own and grow these skills forever, whether NVI remains in their community or not. This allows us to move on and train others.

Dignity
NVI's training ultimately provides our students a sense of pride and accomplishment in being able to provide financial stability for their families.