Archive for November, 2009
The Future of Microfinance: A Brief Peek Inside the Brain of one MFI
By Josh Wilcox, KF9 Peru
While Kiva Fellows work diligently with their host microfinance institutions to implement the Kiva processes, verify borrowers, and write insightful journals on the impacts of the loans, it is easy to miss the other behind-the-scenes projects that microfinance organizations are crafting in their lair.
Those of us from the developed world often do not realize that we are not the only ones brainstorming and designing how microfinance will evolve, determining the most effective means to empower individuals in emerging nations to improve their standard of living.
“Tis the season”….Filipino Style
Mary Riedel KF9, Philippines
Filipino Parols/Christmas Lanterns outside the NE Pacific Mall
…”Tis the season,” and, “twas the season” from the moment I arrived in the Philippines on October 3rd – a Kiva Fellow bound for Kiva’s Microfinance Partner ASKI. (Microfinance field partners, are a critical link in connecting Kiva lenders with Kiva borrowers. Check out this rad video to learn more about the process). The Christmas Season starts sometime in September and lasts though the middle of January. I distinctly remember my first encounter with Christmas the weekend after I arrived in Cabanatuan City, PI. I was lured into a day spa by ambiant music and reclining chairs. I decided to get a facial, and was totally relaxed. Then all of the sudden about a 1/4 of the way through my delicious experience, the music changed to the “All Christmas Music, All the time” station….45 minutes of fa-la-la was intense…. So my initial “black and white” plan of totally ignoring Christmas this year, while out in the field volunteering as a Kiva Fellow, seemed unlikely.
So I’ve been trying to create a new Christmas, a sort of Gray Christmas. (That actually sounds pretty dismal. Alright how about a turquoise Christmas, not green and not blue – somewhere in the middle of the two on the color wheel). With my new outlook in mind yesterday I said hello to Christmas and went Christmas shopping. (Scrapping my initial plan to just buy gifts for my family online, which felt cold (kind of blue:-) and disconnected for me). Oddly enough my first stop was at ASKI in Cabanatuan City where I “work.” As it turns out ASKI operates a merchant store called, “ASKI Marketing Cooperative,” where they sell some products their borrowers make (some of them are Kiva borrowers but not all – in order to remain solvent only 1/3 of MFI clients/borrowers can be funded by Kiva ). The products range from traditional clothing, shoes, arts and crafts, food, stationary, handbags an so on.
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How Kiva helps the poor deal with life’s uncertainties
By Adam Kemmis Betty, KF9 Bolivia
Those frustrated with the health-and-safety of Europe and North America often celebrate the apparent appetite for risk in countries such as Bolivia, where you carry your machete into the local bar or cram a dozen people into the back of your car without fear of reprimand.
Bolivia's famous "Death Road" has even become a tourist attraction
In fact, this tolerance for risk is largely borne out necessity rather than any deep-seated cultural predilection. The Bolivian poor spend a great deal of energy trying to minimise the risks and uncertainties in the lives. (more…)
Ait mairik bolsun! (Eid Mubarak)
By Rob Packer, KF9 Kyrgyzstan
Islam in Kyrgyzstan feels different; more of a personal matter compared with other countries I’ve travelled in. While it’s probably an exaggeration when the Lonely Planet for Central Asia says that the Kyrgyz “limited it to what they could fit in their saddlebags”, there is probably some truth in the matter in a culture where kymyz, fermented mare’s milk, is a key cultural pointer and a toast with vodka is often not that far away, especially amongst the more Russified population of northern Kyrgyzstan. When you remember that the Kyrgyz are a people with a nomadic heritage who were first permanently settled under the Soviet Union’s official policy of ‘militant atheism’, you might expect the relationship with religion to be a little different from the norm.
An Islamic cemetery outside Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan.
Loans, Lunches and Lucha Libre
by Julie Pachico, KF9 Mexico
It’s business as usual here in Mexico after “dia del pavo” (turkey day). My tummy is a little upset right now from copious amounts of lip and cheek meat tacos and shrimp soup lunches, not typical Thanksgiving fare but so it goes (goodbye vegetarianism, hello flexibility!). For now here are two very simple videos of being out and about here in the charming border town of Nuevo Laredo, where I’ve been working with Kiva’s partner microfinance institution, Fundación para la Vivienda Progresiva (FVP). Video #1 is of an ordinary day out and about visiting clients with Tere, a loan officer from FVP. Video #2 (behind the cut) is of an intriguing (can’t think of a better word) clip from a Lucha Libre fight that I attended last week.
The World’s Most Dangerous Job
Gavin Sword KF9 Rwanda
There is a TV show that profiles treacherous jobs around the world, the episode i recall was one about Alaskan King Crab Fishermen. These brave men (typically) work night and day in stormy seas on slippery decks in frigid waters. The ships are rocking violently with waves crashing over the decks – death just a misstep away.
Here in Rwanda on my drive to work each day, I see women who are employed as Street Sweepers doing a job that rivals the dangers faced by the men on these Alaskan ships. Working from dawn til dusk, these intrepid souls stand ON THE HIGHWAY with cars zooming past at 50+ miles per hour, sweeping the debris and dust from the road with meticulous care. There are no pylons or barriers, no “Caution” signs, no “Slow Down – Sweepers at Work” signs.
Living Conditions of a Kiva Fellow
By Ed Coambs, Philippines, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation
I have created this short video to show you what my room at Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation looks like. I have been so blessed because as I have talked with my other Kiva Fellows I learned how good I have it. I have hot water, cable (really only National Geographic and Discovery, which more then I have at home in the U.S.) , minifridge, and a flushing toilet. These things are all luxuries for a Kiva Fellow.
I hope that you have enjoyed my spin on MTV’s cribs. If you have questions about something you saw and would like to know more about it let me know by leaving a comment.
A lack of movement
By Bryan Goldfinger, KF9, Peru
Throughout my “roaming” fellowship, I’ve had a lot of time to think; hours-long bus rides, walks, taxi trips, plane rides, time alone, time surrounded by others but when I felt alone, time spent just waiting, you get the idea. One theme that seems to consistently find its way into my thoughts is movement. (more…)
Trading Turkey for Lamb (Eid Mubarak)
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- Ramallah’s bustling city center known as the “Manara”
On the day before the third Thursday in November, I attempted to reach my family while avoiding the heavy traffic of cars fleeing home and hurried, last-minute shoppers darting in and out of now-bustling stores.
Sound familiar?
Global Gobblers — KF9 On Thanksgiving
By KF9, All Over The World
Happy Thanksgiving! We KF9′ers thought we’d put together a collection of thoughts on Thanksgiving (sorry to those who don’t partake in Turkey day!) from our respective locations all over the world. While we may not get to celebrate in our traditional way or be with family, I think its safe to say we are all extremely thankful for the opportunity to serve as Kiva Fellows and to have such wonderful readers on this blog! Happy Thanksgiving to all, and gobble gobble.
In no particular order:
Alana Solimeo, KF9, Costa Rica
I’m grateful for my Kiva Fellows. You’ve been there for me like nothing I’ve ever experienced, the umbrella keeping me warm, dry and LOLing as I scurry through Costa Rica’s rainy season in hopes of a sunny day. Much love. Happy Thanksgiving!
After the Deluge – Election Violence and a Tropical Storm in Mindanao
By Eva Wu, KF9 Philippines
The world has been abuzz with Monday’s news of the election “massacre” in Maguindanao, Mindanao. About 50 lawyers, journalists and relatives of local politicians were abducted and brutally killed because of their affiliation with an opposition politician. This horrific event is being followed closely by the international media, including the New York Times and CNN, because it made Monday “the deadliest single day for journalists anywhere in the world” and was also “the worst politically motivated violence in the Philippines’ recent history.” The U.S. Embassy in Manila issued a travel alert on Wednesday as a result, because of “heightened tensions” and “significant military presence” in Maguindanao.
Ironically, while news of the Monday killings shocked the world, it hasn’t physically affected people here in Northern Mindanao quite as much as another news event which, in contrast, made just a small blip among international media outlets – tropical depression Urduja, which hit the area on Tuesday and caused flooding and landslides in Northern Mindanao. (Incidentally, no U.S. Embassy alert on the tropical storm thus far. Not one that I’ve received, anyways.)
The water had a bit abated by Wednesday morning, but across the street from the office people were wading in water up to their hips. A HSPFI colleague said the traffic island was completely flooded over when he looked outside at 3AM.
We Have to Know Our History too? (Part 1)
By Brian Kelly, KF9, Armenia
Mt Ararat lies just across the Turkish border, miles from Yerevan, Armenia's capital
Since arriving in Armenia, I’ve tried as much as possible to be a sponge. Attempting to soak up everything there is to know about microfinance, cultural tendencies here, and especially current political happenings. Coming from the United States, a relative kindergartener historically-speaking compared to cane-wielding Armenia, and without a particularly strong allegiance to any real ethnic identity, (despite my name sounding more Irish than the potato famine) it’s hard to fully comprehend the Armenian history and deep-rooted identity. The country has existed for so many years in so many different forms, changed its borders many times, and suffered devastating tragedy during its history. (more…)
Are These Borrowers Legitimate?
Ed Coambs KF9 Philippines, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation
What will the field hold for me today as I go out to complete my first Kiva mission. I have been asked to spend time completing ten borrower verifications. The idea is first introduced to me during my fellowship training. The borrower verification process is one of the requirements for a Micro Finance Institution (MFI) that has partnered with Kiva to move from pilot to active status. (The pilot stage is designed to allow Kiva to evaluate the MFI, and their ability to meet all Kiva requirements. All MFI’s start in pilot status with a low fundraising limit and once they move to active status have their fundraising limit raised.) During training as I am introduced to the borrower verification process I think oh no problem I can knock this out in a day. All I have to do is take some photo’s, check documents, and ask some questions about the borrowers business. Well what unfolds (more…)
Microfinance, Migration, and a Constant Stream of Remittances (Part 3 of 3 of the Remittance Series)
By Meg Gray, KF9 Nicaragua
This is Part 3 of 3 in a series of blogs discussing remittances that were inspired by a recent UN Human Development Report on migration. As you will see from our posts, there are many perspectives to look at and the issue is by no means simple. I encourage you to read Part 1 posted by Rob from Kyrgyzstan and Part 2 posted by Agnes from Samoa earlier today.
Aurelia is one of many CEPRODEL clients I have met who aspires to work abroad someday.
“Half of Nicaragua lives in Costa Rica,” said one of my coworkers at CEPRODEL when I asked him about remittances, “Everyone has someone sending them money.” This is an exaggeration of course, but his statement does hint at the tremendous importance remittances and migration play in Nicaragua’s economy. Roughly 10% of Nicaragua’s population abroad is living abroad with 48% of this group living in Latin America and 44% living in North America. More than 400,000 Nicaraguans live in Costa Rica alone, accounting for more than 10% of Costa Rica’s population. With a significant portion of its population abroad it is no wonder that remittances account for 12.9% of Nicaragua’s GDP. The significant number of people moving back and forth between Nicaragua and Costa Rica in particular hints at the complexity of migration and remittance flows. It isn’t just developing countries sending people to developed countries. It is much more complicated than that. As if to mirror this complexity, while working at CEPRODEL, I keep coming across clients, programs, and stories that demonstrate elements of this convoluted theme.
On my first visit to CEPRODEL’s branch office in Nagarote, I handed branch manager Miguel Calderón a list of Kiva borrowers that I wanted to visit. Looking at the list, Miguel slowly shook his head and said, “You can’t meet Juana. She left. She went to Costa Rica to look for work.” (more…)
Country Music…in Africa
By Gavin Sword, KF9 Rwanda
The music of Africa conjures images of native dancers and handmade instruments – the drums, rhythms and dancing are mythical. Knowing I was coming to Africa, I was so looking forward to hearing the native music of Rwanda. Music is one of the purest ways I know to experience and appreciate new cultures and connect with people.
During my time here, I have had a few occasions of hearing the native music of Rwanda and it was wonderful. A church service and wedding ceremony I attended with traditional dance and songs were particularly memorable. However, at my MFI, the radio plays pretty much all day long on the computer of my officemate and the thing is, it’s not African music at all. This gentleman has a penchant for country music – and the truth is his brand of music has really gotten me hooked. (more…)
How can they afford this? Remittances, really. (Part 2 of 3 of the Remittance Series)
Village sign sponsored by Western Union
By Agnes Chu
In 2007, out of all the countries in the world, Samoa received the 7th highest amount of remittances as a percentage of GDP (22.8%). The following is a look at remittances in Samoa, part two of a three part series on remittances in developing countries. Part one, which is Rob’s excellent post on remittances in Kyrgyzstan, was posted earlier today.
Samoa could be sponsored by Western Union. At least, the Western Union logo is everywhere. Even some of the name signs for villages are produced by Western Union. Nearly every Samoan family uses Western Union—most travel for hours to the capital, Apia, weekly to receive money from family members overseas. Out of all the countries in the world, Samoa receives the 8th highest amount of remittances per capita.1 During my two months in Samoa, I have been astounded by the large role that remittances play in the Samoan economy. Why are Samoans so dependent on remittances? What does this spell for life in Samoa? And is this healthy?? The following is my attempt to answer those questions. Please be aware that it is based off my observations and conversations with the select Samoans and is not scientific in any way.
Money from Siberia (Part 1 of 3 of the Remittance Series)
By Rob Packer, KF9 Kyrgyzstan
This is part one of a three-part post on remittances with forthcoming blogs by Meg Gray (KF9, Nicaragua) and Agnes Chu (KF9, Samoa).
In the US or Western Europe, we often think about remittances as something that people send from our home countries back to their families in Mexico, Ghana, the Philippines, Ecuador, and so on. Remittances and the hope of wealth are the one of the driving forces in all kinds of global migration, so it seems fitting that the subject of remittances is a recurring theme in the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Report from October 2009, which this year focuses on migration and aims to “challenge our preconceptions”. While movement from the West to developing world is one side to the story of remittances, it is not the only side: remittances do not necessarily touch the “rich world” of North America or Western Europe, or they can linger below the radar and have an enormous impact on countries where people are barely aware that they have an emigrant community. The three Kiva Fellows contributing to this co-ordinated post are posted in the countries currently hosting a Kiva Fellow and where remittances make up the largest percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (data from the World Bank): Samoa (22.8% of GDP), Nicaragua (12.9% of GDP) and Kyrgyzstan (19.1% of GDP).
Where to hide your money
By Rachel Brooks, KF9, Faulu Kenya
You'll never find Samuel's cash
The bed is the most common location, according to the Kenyans I asked. But the specific location varies. You can simply keep it between the mattress and the metal box springs or under your pillow or sheet, or you can be more creative. For instance, wrap the bills in paper and place them under one of the legs of the frame to appear as though you are leveling an uneven bed.
The second most likely hiding place is in a hole. You can put your money in a can and bury it in the garden or if you have a dirt floor in your home, you can bury it inside. In some houses up-country, the walls are also constructed from mud so you can create a sort of wall safe. The downside to these hiding places is the real threat of flood, fire, and insects. (more…)
The borrower’s side of the controversy: no time to wait!
A borrower making handicrafts while waiting for her loan.
By Julia Kastner, KF9 Mexico
Often while out interviewing borrowers for a new Kiva profile, the first question is “WILL THIS SLOW DOWN MY LOAN??”
Fortunately, my answer is “No, don’t worry! Kiva will repay your MFI, not make you wait!” This is only true, however, because of Kiva’s controversial policy of allowing its MFI partners, like my partner, Fundacion Realidad (FRAC) to make loans before receiving Kiva funding. So, why are borrowers so afraid of delays? (more…)
My Field Trip to Tuguegarao City
By Adam Preston, KF9, Philippines
AKSI clients prepare lunch
In addition to being a very hard word to spell, Tuguegarao (pronounced too-gig-a-raou), is the location of one of the ASKI branches that posts their clients on the Kiva website. It’s also the destination of my second trip to the field. One part of my job as a Kiva Fellow is to help conduct borrower interviews for journal updates. Even though these field trips can be somewhat of a grueling experience, to me this is one of the most effective ways to connect the lenders to the borrowers. And so it was, on Monday morning at 5:30 AM Teke, our loyal driver, Kenneth, an ASKI staff member, Mary, my KF partner, and I loaded up the minivan and headed out for an 9 hour ride to Tuguegarao City.
Eating Frogs
That next morning, accompanied by three members of the local branch staff we headed out and for a full schedule of meeting with ASKI clients. As we headed out of town, with our lists and Flipcams in hand, I noticed a women selling something on the side of the road. Trying to get the conversation going in the car, I asked what she was selling. Its was then that a burst of Tagalog erupted in the car, then some giggling. It wasn’t long after asking that seemingly innocent question, that we had stopped the car, negotiated a price, and stowed away in the front seat our lunch. Yep, frogs. Later that afternoon, we sat down to a wonderfully prepared and delicious meal prepared by some clients. And yes, it actually does taste like chicken.
Caving
I think if you would ask someone in my home state of Minnesota the name of the activity of hiking in a cave, they would probably say “Hiking…in a cave”. When asking a Filippino the same question, they would describe this activity as “Caving.”
Well, after finishing up on Wednesday we went “Caving” at Callo Cave, one of the local attractions. Along with two, the local ASKI field officers, and my Kiva Fellow partner in crime, we all partook in the what ended up being one of the more grueling cave hikes I can remember. Don’t get me wrong, it was good but it was also very slippery and required the utmost concentration as to avoid slipping into what I can only imagine as the abyss. In the end it was worth it, the rock formations, the natural skylights, the very dark and damp sanctuary.
That Friday night, 1 cave, 1 fried frog, and thankfully no renditions of “Bottles of Beer on the wall” later we all arrived back in Cabanatuan City safe and sound.
Adam Preston is a Kiva Fellow at Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc (ASKI), Philippines. He thinks you should click here to lend a helping hand to one of ASKI’s clients today.
Zooming in and out on microfinance
By Thomas Gold, KF9 Dominican Republic
For English version, click on “(more…)”, then scroll down.
Après un mois passé dans la succursale de Samanà de mon institution de microfinance Esperanza, me voici, de retour à la capitale Santo Domingo, après une journée entière de voyage. Samanà ne se trouve qu’à un peu moins de 250km de la capitale, mais le manque d’infrastructures routières et le fait qu’une seule compagnie œuvre dans le transport de voyageurs, rendent un voyage des plus banals dans le monde occidental en une épopée d’une journée en République Dominicaine.
Pas facile de se remettre dans le bain du travail de gestion et d’administration, réalisé ici au siège d’Esperanza après avoir en quelque sorte tiré le rideau et été au cœur de l’action, littéralement les manches retroussées et mains dans la boue (la saison des pluies commence à s’annoncer dans les Caraïbes).
The Passing of a Kiva Borrower
Saahkem Dorothy Muyang. 1954 - 2009.
By Dennis A. Espinoza, KF9, Grounded and Holistic Approach for People’s Empowerment (GHAPE) in Bamenda, Cameroon
I was working at my desk when Kenneth, my roommate and GHAPE loan officer, answered his phone and heard that ten year GHAPE member and Kiva borrower, Saahkem Dorothy Muyang, had passed away after a bout with diabetes.
Just glancing at Dorothy’s picture and noticing her beaming smile gives you an impression of who she was. She had a big heart, a deep love for her family and was very involved in her community. Needless to say, her passing was a significant loss to a lot of people around here. She was well loved and I wish I would’ve had an opportunity to meet her in person.
‘Tis Someone’s Season To Be Jolly
By Victoria Kabak, KF9, Nicaragua
As the holiday season fast approaches, I imagine many of you back at home are starting to make lists (checking them twice?) of presents or of people you’re going to buy presents for or even of presents you hope someone else gets you. It’s no secret that businesses in the United States – and in other countries – experience a significant uptick in sales in December.
But I’ve learned in the past few weeks that this phenomenon isn’t unique to the United States or to developed countries. Many of the borrowers I’ve met with recently have expressed to me that, even if business is a little slow right now, they’re optimistic for December since it tends to be their best month every year.
This got me thinking about seasonal changes and how different times of the year can impact the businesses of Kiva borrowers in distinct patterns. There are some obvious ways in which seasons and time impact their livelihoods. In addition to Christmastime, for example, those who work in agriculture are affected by when the harvest times for their crops are. Here in Nicaragua, working with Kiva’s field partner AFODENIC, I’ve recently learned from clients that tomato season ended just a few weeks ago and pitahaya season is coming to a close shortly.
However, there are several less obvious impacts that turning the calendar page has on microentrepreneurs’ work. These types of consequences – which are, of course, out of clients’ control – are not ones that had occurred to me before coming to Nicaragua. To share with you what I’ve learned, here are a couple of ways in which the time of year can have either a negative or a positive effect on borrowers and their businesses. (more…)
Coffee: A Love Affair
By Karl Baumgarten, KF9, Costa Rica
4,000,0000 cups per year. 10,958,904 cups per day. 42 beans per cup. 460,273,968 beans per day. And they all have to be picked one by one by one. My fingers hurt just thinking about it. Every cup we make is the culmination of an incredibly involved process that we all should appreciate.
Below is a video of the coffee process at AsoProLa, an organic coffee company which processes coffee from small scale farmers in Altamira, many of whom have micro-loans with FUDECOSUR
Connecting through prayers
By Jeremy Lapedis, KF9, Guatemala
I’m Jewish, but, before every meal at Manuel’s house, we say a prayer thanking Jesus Christ. Manuel is the director of FAPE, the MFI where I work in Guatemala, and I have been staying with him since arriving. He is also a pastor at a B
aptist church. So I was surprised Thursday night when lifting my head, just after our prayer, I spotted a menorah on display. What is this doing here?
Manual caught my gaze. “Oh, a friend gave me that. Do you know what it used for?” he queried.
I attempted to impart what knowledge I had of the menorah: It was a miracle that the oil burned for eight days, but there are nine candles. Channukah was the festival of lights. He listened intently on what I had to say completely fascinated with my every word. His genuine interest in my religion, in hearing my thoughts, was not something I was accustomed to back home. How often do we hang onto every word of someone we barely know?
Shortly thereafter, he shared with me what my name meant to him. (more…)
Kiva Update from PBS Frontline World
Suzy Marinkovich, KF8 Peru & KF9 Bolivia
One of the most exciting things about being a Kiva Fellow is the opportunity to tell the untold stories of those so remote, so rural, and so ignored by the media. When there are six billion humans sprinkled across the world, the media has the unenviable task of (more…)
“Ok. Next question…”
Laughing with Myrna Data, a Kiva Borrower
Mary Riedel, KF9, Philippines
“…What do you think your biggest challenge will be if you become a Kiva Fellow?”
I heard this question twice during my interview process with Kiva. On both occasions I was sitting at my kitchen table in San Francisco, working from home (experiencing some cabin fever), and planing to meet up with friends later in the day. My answer was, “Feeling disconnected from friends and family.” And yes, some days staying connected has been a bit of challenge, looking at the clock wishing it was telling me a different story, jumping to Skype and hoping to to see little green dots. For the most part though, communication has been good, it just takes more planning and acceptance.
So that’s not my biggest challenge… (more…)
Using Microfinance to Combat Human Trafficking: Spotlight on Katie Davis (KF7)
by James Han, KF9 Cambodia (AMK)
We typically measure the impact of microfinance through financial measures. What interest rates are the microfinance institutions (MFIs) charging? Has the client’s business experienced increased profits? Has a population increased its household income? These are all valid questions and are at the center of measuring the effectiveness of microfinance.
But, I was recently inspired by the broader social impact that microfinance can have. While the “social bottom line” may not be as quantifiable as interest rates or household income, MFIs such as AMK are proving that an MFI with a strong social mission can have a truly profound impact on a local community.
El Mercado Central: A Day Visiting Kiva Clients
By Meg Gray, KF9 Nicaragua
How to describe one of the markets in Nicaragua? It’s hard and there really isn’t anything like them in the States to compare to. When I visited the Mercado Central in Chinandega, a small city that serves as a supply hub for the farms surrounding it, the heat was stifling. A few aisles are well lit with a sprinkling of fluorescent bulbs, while others are dark and cave-like. At the same time, the whole building is bursting with colors, smells, and noises. Every aisle is packed with people and very few aisles are wide enough for more than two people to walk side by side. And did I mention it’s hot. Chinandega has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the hottest places in Nicaragua. My guidebook accurately describes it as feeling like a rotisserie chicken the moment you leave the AC behind. In the end I decided, it was too hard to describe my day visiting clients in the Mercado Central. I decided it would be more fun and easier to try to figure out my video editing software and give you guys a taste of what my day was like. So here goes my first attempt at making a video…
Meg Gray is currently a Kiva Fellow in Nicaragua, where she is working with Kiva’s field partner CEPRODEL. Support a loan to a CEPRODEL entrepreneur or introduce a friend to Kiva with a gift certificate.
Kiva and Empowerment
Gavin Sword KF9
I read with great interest the very thoughtful blog by David Roodman: as well as the more sensational New York Times article about Kiva’s loan disbursement disclosure issues. I agree that Kiva could have done a better job of explaining the nuanced realities of fund disbursement on its website. And I think that insightful blogs aimed at holding Kiva accountable are useful and will serve to strengthen the organization. But beneath all the controversy, for many, I think a line blurred between connecting to an individual and controlling an outcome.
As lenders we like to think we are really making a difference in someone’s life and we are…but it’s complicated and it actually bumps up against something we all value greatly about Kiva: Empowerment. For three key stakeholders: lenders, borrowers and MFI’s – empowerment is key.
