Author Archive
You Know You Are In Tanzania When… (Vol IV)
By Jennifer Gong, KF9 Tanzania
As my fellowship draws to a close, I would like to contribute my last post to a tradition set by past Tanzanian Kiva Fellows. There is something unique about the country that fellows have been compelled to share. Alec Lovett (a KF4 and my interviewer!) first started the series “You know you are in Tanzania when…” back in 2008 and later added a Vol 2. Jara Small (KF5) brilliantly added her observations and wrote Vol 3. In my 90 days here, I’ve been privy to witness some of the unique characteristics of Tanzania and its inhabitants. So here goes Vol 4… Enjoy! (more…)
My Blue Sweater Moment and Yours
by Jennifer Gong, KF9 Tanzania
The Blue Sweater is a book that recounts the experiences of Jacqueline Novogratz, social venturer and founder of the Acumen Fund. The book contains a string of stories, but the most poignant is the tale behind the title of the book. When she was young, her uncle gave her a blue sweater, which she eventually outgrew and donated away. It would turn out that the journeys of Novogratz and the blue sweater would eventually cross paths a decade later in Rwanda – She, jogging along the dusty roads of Rwanda and it, covering the small frame of an African boy.
A few weeks ago, I had my own “blue sweater” moment. 
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YOSEFO Day 2009
By Jennifer Gong, KF9 Tanzania
YOSEFO has come a long way. In 1997, it humbly opened its doors to 50 clients, for a total loan portfolio size of $5000. However, with unwavering determination, it has succesfully expanded into 14 different communities around Dar es Salaam and has opened offices in Ifakara, Zanzibar, Kilwa and Tanga. Today, YOSEFO can proudly claim to serve over 11,000 active clients and has seen its loan portfolio increase to $1.5m. This is definitely something to celebrate about, and celebrate we did! To mark 12 successful years of serving Tanzania, my MFI decided to organize YOSEFO Day 2009.
The purpose of the celebration was not only about rejoicing, it was also about recognition. It was about acknowledging the outstanding clients and staff members that have played a significant role in making the past dozen years successful. Recognition is important because the sweat and tears of both clients and staff often go unnoticed. Furthermore, the showcasing of successful stories will hopefully create a competitive spirit that will drive everyone to strive for more.
Here are some highlights of YOSEFO Day 2009… (more…)
Dreaming of Dar
By Jennifer Gong, KF9 Tanzania
My name is Jen Gong and I will be spending a few months at YOSEFO, a Kiva field partner in Tanzania. I arrived in Dar Es Salaam about 2 weeks ago and here is my first entry…
the YOSEFO CREW!
There is something enchanting about Tanzania. Most travelers would say the charm is in landscape. And without a doubt there is much to behold here. I have not yet wadded in the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro or spotted the exotic creatures of the Serengeti, but flying into Dar Es Salaam itself was a treat. I wish I took a photo of how the tin roofs sparkled like stars against the blue Indian Ocean.
But for those who have spent a little more time here and immersed themselves in the local culture, they will claim the charm is in the people. Tanzanians are colorful, diverse and warm. When my coworkers held a meeting to discuss about the upcoming marriage celebration of one of the credit officers, I was asked to be involved because they said “<I am> now a part of the YOSEFO family”. My host family of three sisters, treat me like their own dada (sister in Swahili), and have been generously teaching me Swahili and Tanzanian cooking.
