From almost the first day we met him, Mark Thuva
described his dream of becoming a hair salon owner. Thanks to donations from
generous readers, Mark had his dream come true. Beginning in October, 2000, Mark
was sent to a hairdressing college in Mombasa, Kenya, a six-month training
course after which he was qualified to be a hair stylist.
Mark Thuva
Mark immediately began putting together a business
plan to open his own salon. At the same time, in Ottawa, a hair salon owner
originally from Texas, Karen Sharp, decided she wanted to help. Karen was
already in touch with us because she had provided the funds for Mark’s father
to have his surgery. “Whenever I needed help in my life, there was always
someone there to help,” she said. “Now that I have my own salon and I saw
that Mark needed some help, I just knew this was something I had to do.”
Since August, 2001, Karen allocated the profits from her salon, Charly’s Hair Design at 851 Richmond Rd., Ottawa, from the first Tuesday of each month, towards a fund to give Mark Thuva a loan for his own salon. In August, 2002, we wired Mark sufficient funds for him to establish his own business. He’s since rented a premises in the tourist town of Mtwapa, just north of Mombasa, where he’s been supervising carpenters in building his new business. The loan we provided will be interest free for one year, and then a low interest loan for five additional years. Soon we’ll be posting photos of Mark’s new salon, under construction. This is a very exciting project for all of us!
E-mail from Mark Thuva
July 17, 2002
Dear; mama / papa,
I have identified a witness (to sign the loan agreement ) of which you have not met before, but I hope this would be fine to you and me.This is the owner of the hospital and at the same time the doctor who made surgery to my father. In addition, he is the landlord to be, in Mtwapa where my saloon will be soon established.
Hurrar !!!! God knows why I met you; ‘the Stuemer’s’.
When we first met, it didn’t occur to me that you would change my life especially over a new leave. I still hold fond memories of our talks and strolls in Kilifi. May God bless you all.
This is a time when I wish we were together to share my joy of life changing for the better, because of ‘caring friends’ who at one time were simple strangers. Again I appreciate you kindness for your great support. With you in support I see my dreams come true.
As for the loan agreement, I have signed and had it verified by Njiri. As for the promisory note, for it to be legally binding internationally, it must have the consent of my bankers to certify my financial capability. I therefore hold the loan agreement as enough evidence of my accepting the loan at its conditions thereto. Believe me you, God willing and through had work, I shall never let you down.
As usual further advice from you side will be always be appreciated. Otherwise I hope to hear from you when you are ready.
I remain your son,
Love always,
Mark
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We’ll keep you posted on the progress of this
exciting project, which we hope will pull Mark’s entire family out of poverty.
Hurray to the wonderful Karen Sharp, who dared to make a difference in this
young man’s life!