Micro finance in Haiti!
26 February 2009 at 06:38 ashleyolivia 11 comments
I had a wonderful time in Haiti, despite the major challenges the country faces. The people, culture, music, art, food and colors kept me fascinated the short time I was there. Kiva will soon be working in Haiti with the amazing help of Esperanza/Hope International! I was given the opportunity to see micro finance in action, and I was impressed.
We visited two communities that have received Esperanza micro loans. It was interesting to see how each entrepreneur had such a niche market. For example, one gentleman we talked to bought phone cards and then resold them at major intersections and by walking around. Another woman travels to a larger market and buy fruits and vegetables to resell, one gentleman bought cooking oil by the barrels and then resold it in smaller quantities. All three currently successful businesses in Haiti. I also saw people selling charcoal, refilling disposable lighters to resell, little stands with umbrellas that have satellite phones you can pay to use (see picture).
Haiti´s theme is: If you are to survive, you must have your niche business.
I was blown away by the lack of running water, mounds of trash everywhere, UN Peace Keeper tanks rolling down the street (see picture), muddy roads, raw sewage, standing water, and complete lack of electricity. Even more surprising yet is this exists in Trau Du Nord- Haiti´s second largest city!
Haiti has major obstacles to overcome, but I wholeheartedly believe that micro finance creates an opportunity in which the Haitians themselves can improve their livelihood. I would never discourage any aid, help or assistance that Haiti receives, but there is something liberating, inspiring, and humbling to see that if just given the chance Haitians can do it themselves.
-Ashley Nelsen KF 6/7
Satellite Phone
UN Peace Keepers
Kalie, me, Obed and Kayla
Loan officer Nelson with Kiva Fellow Nelsen
Mountain of plastic bottles
Combing the beach.
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1. Curtis | 13 February 2012 at 05:34
Thanks for sharing! Going with our church soon to Haiti and this is helpful. God bless
2. Melina | 12 November 2010 at 09:37
Hi there,
A group of youth adults/teenagers from Justice YWAM Kona are heading over to Haiti for 3 months. (We are leaving Dec 11). Some of us will be visiting the 4 tent cities to see what needs they have and try to meet them…maybe teach English, set up a health check up clinic or even a soap/small business workshop. We have a contact in Port au Prince but we would like to meet your contact in Haiti and speak to him before we head over there. We could even help your contact in Haiti whatever he needs.
Please contact me if this is something we can do to help.
Best,
Melina
3. Philippe Francois | 17 February 2010 at 16:29
fellow bloggers,
In Haiti there is a big problem in the micro finance sector in which must of the big banks dominated. Most of the banks proclaim to be non bank affiliated on the Mixnetwork the microfinace exchance network which is a lie.There is a big problem in this sector even USAID is not accountable inthe way they sepend the American people money.Before Georges W. Bush left office he grant Haiti 80 mil in aid for the micro finance sector at that same period I ran an investigation in the micro finance sector, must of the micro finance institutions require a business to be active for a minimum of 6 months to be eligible, but Sogesol requires business to be in fonction for at least 2 years. I went to the local CHF office in Cap-Haitien with a meeting arranged the ex mayor of Cap-Haitien by the name of Wilmard Innocent the director could not give me a clear eligibility plan neither how I could participate in the program althoought I’m a small business owner. I wrote a letter to the USAID after numerous attempt and phone call they finally inform me that they are unable to help me, and they are running a program rough of 80 mil for 4 years. This 80 mil is a grant money givin to SOGEBANK I contacted the 2 persons from SOGEBANK via email the emails returned undelivered.
Think about it.
4. Jeff | 1 July 2009 at 23:16
Ashley – Awesome stuff. Love your perspective, photos and comments. Thanks!
Can I ask for a little commentary on your findings in Haiti? I’m a member of a global giving circle in the Seattle area called Pangea. We focus our efforts on creating opportunities for grassroot-level organizations in developing countries with our dollars and our time. I’m on our Latin America team and we are looking at committing some resources to Haiti. I thought being that you have spent some quality time in the area you might be able to help with some feedback or direction. Would you be able to connect with me via email (jeffzanatta@gmail) and discuss your thoughts? We would sure appreciate the effort as we are excited to begin affecting change in the Haiti area.
Cheers…..Jeff
5. BO CURLES | 24 March 2009 at 12:51
Hi, Cvm is looking to establish a pharmacy for the recent new veterinarians in Haiti. Do you have contact info for microfinancing programs to help the Haitians get going on this project ?
6. Henry | 1 March 2009 at 21:06
thanks for your information. What is the current, going rate of interest charged by MFIs and banks for small loans in Haiti? What could be an approximate informal money lenders’ rate?
A friend of mine seems to explore possibilities of setting up a local MFI there!
henry
7. premal shah | 28 February 2009 at 10:40
same question as ron above! [great post!]
8. ashleyolivia | 23 March 2009 at 14:51
Premal,
http://fellowsblog.kiva.org/2009/03/23/how-dominican-republic-loans-help-haitians/
Best, Ashley KF6 and 7
9. Unilove | 27 February 2009 at 20:27
Would love to learn more about Haiti… thanks for posting!
10. Ron | 26 February 2009 at 08:20
Ashley – Thanks for sharing your observations. Do you know if Esperanza plans to post more loans from Haiti? I would love to support an entrepreneur from Haiti, but finding those loans on Kiva is extremely rare.
11. ashleyolivia | 23 March 2009 at 14:49
Hey Ron, This blog may help answer your questions about Haiti loans.
Best, Ashley
http://fellowsblog.kiva.org/2009/03/23/how-dominican-republic-loans-help-haitians/