Archive for November 6th, 2009
CCT Borrowers Often Work in the Sidelines
By Prem Thomas, KF9, Manila, Philippines
After visiting many Kiva CCT borrowers, I noticed a trend that the primary business requiring a loan is not the only source of income. In the Philippines side jobs are referred to as “sidelines” or “extra income”. I have met a teachers who also sell clothing, farmers who rent out their plows to neighbors and a TV repair shop that sells ice in plastic bags during hot months. Of the CCT borrowers I’ve met, about half will have some sort of sideline.
Myrna Valencia used her entire Kiva loan to purchase inventory for her Personal Care direct selling business which she sells for a 25% markup. Myrna also has one of the more interesting sidelines I have scene. She recently completed a medical reflexology course and takes blood pressure for her neighbors on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for 10 pesos (about $0.22 USD):
3 comments 6 November 2009
The Most Bizarre Client Interview (Part 2 of 2)
By Eva Wu, KF9 Philippines
Bizarre is probably not the best word to describe this client interview, but without a doubt we were intrigued and utterly fascinated by the alien-looking blob we saw sitting pretty before us. Corroi, HSPFI’s Kiva Coordinator and I found ourselves staring at a live (or semi-live) sea cucumber during a visit to HSPFI client and Kiva borrower Ann Lagrada on Camiguin Island.
(This is the second part of my “most memorable client interviews on Camiguin” series – check out “The Most Beautiful Client Interview (Part 1 of 2)” if you haven’t already!)
(If you have a soft spot in your heart, an ongoing and lasting fondness for sea cucumbers like the one above, and the thought of chopping/prepping a sea cucumber for consumption would cause you much undue stress, do NOT click on the “more” link.)
6 comments 6 November 2009
My Motorcycle Diary from Guayaquil
By Kimia Raafat, KF9 Ecuador
Last week, I blogged about D-MIRO’s influence in the peri-urban zones of Guayaquil. There is no way to describe the dedicated D-MIRO staff members and the lengths they go to reach those marginalized from the traditional financial system. So I opted to film a sample day! Here is “My Motorcycle Diary”:
9 comments 6 November 2009
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