Empanadas de pino
Mar 20, 2013
Chile
Carolina Agurto is a 25 year-old native to Cauquenes (two hours outside the city of Chilian). In college she studied Social Work, because “that’s what I felt I was meant to do” she explains. "For me there was no other carreer."
Carolina has been a loan officer in Fondo Esperanza since 2011, and although she admits the work is tiring, she loves it, “no other position allows you to...
Mar 20, 2013
Global Update
Last Week, I have the luck to meet Colette Faye, who is not only the president of Caurie's Village Bank but also one on the most nice and hard-working woman, I have met so far.
She welcomes us in her house (she had built herself) and tells us about her story and how microfinance had help women in Senegal.
Hope, you will enjoy this video as much as I appreciate my time spent with Colette:
In the video...
Mar 18, 2013
Albania
Ever fantasized about hitting the road and going deep into the depths of Albania? Chances are slim, but I am here to suggest you should start.
*Note: Danger in the title is not...
Mar 17, 2013
Timor-Leste
An Unstable Foundation
In western mythology the phoenix, rising from its own ashes, represents cyclical extinction and regeneration; death and re-birth. Human stories lack the mythical qualities of the tales they inspire.
"On 30 August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, an overwhelming majority (78.5%) of the people of Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. However, in the next three weeks, anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the Indonesian military -...
Mar 17, 2013
Kenya
After spending three weeks in Kenya (a third one in Tanzania reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro) and having the chance of experiencing the realities of the field as a Kiva Zip fellow I can’t feel more blessed with life for being here. I define it as opportunity for learning while doing an impact and that is everything I need for my life at the moment. I am having the perfect exposure to gather the strength and confidence I need in order to achieve catalyst change in the way people think and act. Only with the sake of bringing process to humanity...
Mar 16, 2013
South Africa
Johannesburg. Joburg. Jozi. Joziburg. Whatever you call this city, it had me at hello.
Let’s face it, Johannesburg doesn’t have the best reputation. When you tell people you’re moving here they fear for your safety and question your judgment. And though most tourists arrive in South Africa via Joburg, they quickly move on to other destinations. They are...
Joburg's Central Business District has the most dense collection of skyscrapers in Africa
Mar 14, 2013
India
Ima Market is a noteworthy fixture in the city of Imphal. Located mere meters from Kangla Palace, the most noteworthy historical site in the city, it’s the hub of basically all commodity trade in Manipur. Walking or driving toward it is actually fairly difficult, as it attracts so many customers that the area surrounding it becomes congested at any time of day with rickshaws, autorickshaws, cars, mopeds, and pedestrians all competing for road space.
The marketplace is lauded as the largest all-women’s market in Asia. One article I found about the market actually claims it...
Mar 12, 2013
Nicaragua
When I started my fellowship in Managua I was advised by many people to find a trusted taxi driver. Although much of the crime in the city is non-violent, petty-theft and street crime is frequent – especially when getting from point A to point B.
So, I asked around, and after trying about 15 numbers without any luck I finally came across a driver by the name of Jesús. For the past four weeks Jesús has taken me to and from work, and it’s been a blast getting to know him. He always has a smile on his face, has a great sense of humor, and...
Mar 12, 2013
This last week I have started to meet borrowers and feel the reality they face. It is a reality full of difficulties and challenges, in which a small amount of money can make the difference to the person that receives it, his family and his community.
ID Ghana has a different approach to microfinance, they call it “Onipa Nua”. It is based on group relationships. What they do is forming 15 to 40 people groups (95% of members are women) and they are trained in different abilities: saving, convive, how to manage a business, loaning, health…and many more areas that help them build a...
Mar 12, 2013
Colombia
Quien lo goza, lo vive! He who lives it, enjoys it!
by Rose Larsen | KF19 Colombia | KF20 Dominican Republic
Barranquilla goes through something of a transformation in the months leading up to Carnaval.
Carnaval is the one period of the year when Barranquilla becomes a tourist destination. For four days each February or March, the city fills up with travelers eager to experience what is known as “the best Carnaval outside of Brazil.”
...