The Intro
2 October 2009 at 06:36 ALEX 11 comments
By Alex Duong, KF9, Vietnam
The CIA World Factbook provides the following details for Vietnam -
Population median age: 27.4
Percentage of population living in urban areas: 28%
Literacy rate: 90.3%
GPD growth rate: 6.2% in 2008, 8.5% in 2007
Unemployment rate: 4.7%
Leaving aside the recent inflation spike, Vietnam offers a young, competent, and dynamic environment that is ripe for putting microfinance to work.
My name is Alex and I will be the only 9th class Kiva Fellow in Vietnam (starting in December). Without a doubt, Kiva continues a series of amazing curveballs that life tosses at me. I would never have dreamed of leaving work and all that is familiar in Southern California for this. However, Kiva somehow appeared in Google results one day as I was scaling the consulting corporate ladder.
Training was just completed last week. After applying for the fellowship nearly five months ago, the duties have now been bestowed. The depth of character within each member of Kiva Fellow’s 9th class is humbling. Not everyone is a financial guru or video-making whizz but therein lies our strength. To see such a variety of backgrounds yet know that each individual can equally carry out Kiva’s mission while abroad is incredible. Make sure to stop by frequently and watch our journeys unfold. I have no doubt the stories we post will be genuine and passionate.
Lastly, I want to thank both Scott and Mike of Infusion Lounge for providing space to host my fundraiser in San Francisco. Their generosity is greatly appreciated. /ALEX
Alex Duong is the first Kiva Fellow (KF9) working with TYM Fund in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Click the links for info on TYM Fund & my personal blog
Entry filed under: blogsherpa, East Asia & the Pacific (EAP), KF9 (Kiva Fellows 9th Class), TYM Fund, Vietnam. Tags: ALEXD, blogsherpa, Hanoi, KF9, Vietnam.
1. dave.nguyen@sscims.com | 15 December 2009 at 10:02
Everything go well? We all wish you the best for the holiday away from home. Remember to be alert and always choose the safe path. Side note.. Did you have a chance to ask regard the resverse mortgage idea? also, send me what you have with regard to new loan opportunity for elder that have asset?
VN version:
Moi su suon se? Gia dinh chu chuc con mot mua le xa nha ton tai. Nho phai phong ngo va luc nao cung chon con duong an toan.
2. Tracey | 3 December 2009 at 18:34
Hey Cuz! Great story! I’m glad you made it there safely and found an apartment. So proud of you and know that you will make a difference here! When you come back from the motherland your Vietnamese will be better than mine!
Blessings!
Tracey
3. Brandon Nohara | 30 November 2009 at 20:08
Hey man, hope you made the transition well. Keep us updated on your experiences in Vietnam!
4. CHU BILLY | 30 November 2009 at 12:34
Personally, I’m proud of you, Alex. Especially, for the Duong.You go, NEPHEW! I’ll see you, soon.
5. Lucia | 26 November 2009 at 18:24
Hello Alex,
We miss you, what are you doing? We’re gathering together for Thankgiving Day, and we don’t forger to Thank God for you also. Be happy with the people in needed. God be with you and also with people you meet.
Happy Thankgiving.
6. Tony | 26 November 2009 at 09:04
Dude!
I am so proud to have a nephew like you. Exploring the World, now discovering and play a part to helping the people from your herritage to better their lives. May God always bless you on all the things that you do. Hopefully, I get a chance to see you in Ha Noi around 2/14/10 for the Vietnamese New Year.
Uncle Tony
7. Lucia | 25 November 2009 at 07:28
I’m proud of you. Making your dream come true. God bless you.
8. Rob Goodman | 12 November 2009 at 16:04
Alex, awesome pic, made me laugh! Hope all is going well and can’t wait to read future posts. I admire your act of fellowship and I’m praying for you.
9. Teresa Dunbar | 7 October 2009 at 08:37
Can’t wait to read more.
Teresa (KF5)
10. rebeccacorey | 4 October 2009 at 23:33
Alex, what a great picture of you!
What a stud. I’m so happy to be a KF9 with you. Can’t wait to read and hear more about your work.
11. Jan & John, KivaFriends | 2 October 2009 at 09:08
Looking forward to your insights, Alex. Know that you are held in people’s thoughts. be well, jan