The Women's Group members have been both resourceful and committed in their efforts to increase the profitability of their yoghurt product and increase business expansion.

Sometimes the Mamas must be especially innovative when met with challenges that limit their ability to transport goods and maximize production. Some of the Mamas in Tanzania have suggested the idea of incorporating use of bicycles for the transport of milk to and from their local markets.

Currently, the Mamas only possess a single bicycle which is in need of repair. If they are successful in acquiring the use of more bicycles they can increase the amount of resources delivered for yoghurt production. This idea will be especially helpful for the women's groups that tend to sell out of their daily stock of product in the local market.

A new and exciting Youth Group has emerged in the Mlango Moja area of Mwanza, Tanzania! They have recently received training from Tukamuane Women's Group member Mama Joyce and support from Maimuna Kanyamala, the executive director of Kivulini Women's Rights Organization in Mwanza.

With limited resources and currently no refrigerator, the group has been reported to produce and sell out of yoghurt on a daily basis. We are pleased to support the development of this new group and commend their innovation and commitment.

We are excited to announce that Buswelu Women's Group, established a FITI probiotic yoghurt kitchen in January of 2011.

According to our sources the group produces incredibly delicious probiotic yoghurt which is gaining in local popularity. While the group continues to work toward developing a fully operational kitchen, they are discussing some great potential initiatives for the near future.

In particular, the Buswelu Women's Group is interested in developing a breakfast program with the local Buswelu Public School! The Buswelu School is the school twinned with the Tecumseh Public School in London, Ontario.

This program would help school children receive a healthy breakfast that will aid in maintaining classroom concentration and maximize their potential for learning.

The Western Heads East team would like to introduce you to the Mahina Women's Group, one of eight women's groups currently operating in Mwanza, Tanzania. The Mahina Women's Group established themselves two years ago and receives support by the local Tukwamauane Women's Group.

Tukamauane member Mama Pasqualina has graciously extended her time to teach the Mahina women the skills of yoghurt production and marketing, and a loan granted by the Tukwamauane group has allowed them to open their doors for business. The Mahina Group is producing a high quality yoghurt and has received the probiotic culture from the National Institute for Medical Research Tanzania, the local organization primarily responsible for culturing the probiotic bacteria.