Author Archive
You never forget your first time
As a Kiva lender turned Kiva Fellow, I will never forget my Kiva “first times”, from my first loan, to receiving my first partial repayment, to receiving my first completed loan repayment notice. My latest first took place recently in Benin, West Africa, when I visited my first Kiva borrower.
3 Kiva smiles from Benin
One common theme when visiting Kiva borrowers in Benin is their positive attitude and broad smiles. Meeting these people makes my day, every day and I hope these pictures will make yours too.
The Last Mile
“The Last Mile” is one of the most debated concept in microfinance. Here is a real-life example from a recent borrower visit with ALIDe, Kiva’s partner in Benin.
Hello Officer (part 2)
The vast majority of people relying on micro loans are extremely dedicated to repaying their loans on time. Here is how ALIDe, Kiva’s partner in Benin, approaches borrowers with missed payments, balancing an understanding of specific situations with the desire to run a sustainable MFI.
Hello Officer!
A day in the life of a loan officer in Cotonou, Benin.
