The day starts with an early rise. I get picked up at 5am in the obligatory Lada (a small hardworking Russian car) to head out to the remote region of Fuzili. It’s a 4 ½ hour drive from Baku and we want to beat the traffic. I’m spending the day with Komak Credit Union. With me are Afa (Kiva Coordinator) and Farhad (loan officer and designated driver for the day). Along the way we stop off at a mosque that is being renovated to leave a small donation and pray for a safe journey. The... Continue Reading >>
Vince is 53 and originates from Aberdeen in the North East of Scotland, though he has not lived there for the past 15 years. He recently retired after having worked for a large multi-national energy company in various IT roles for the past 25 years. The job allowed Vince to travel the world and feed his appetite for working with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Vince is a huge fan of Kiva and for a long time has held the ambition of taking on a volunteer role overseas, Vince is honored to serve as a fellow with Kiva’s partners in Azerbaijan.
Fellows Blog Posts by Vince Main.
Dec 15, 2014
Azerbaijan
The day starts with an early rise. I get picked up at 5am in the obligatory Lada (a small hardworking Russian car) to head out to the remote region of Fuzili. It’s a 4 ½ hour drive from Baku and we want to beat the traffic. I’m spending the day with Komak Credit Union. With me are Afa (Kiva Coordinator) and Farhad (loan officer and designated driver for the day). Along the way we stop off at a mosque that is being renovated to leave a small donation and pray for a safe journey. The... Continue Reading >>
The day starts with an early rise. I get picked up at 5am in the obligatory Lada (a small hardworking Russian car) to head out to the remote region of Fuzili. It’s a 4 ½ hour drive from Baku and we want to beat the traffic. I’m spending the day with Komak Credit Union. With me are Afa (Kiva Coordinator) and Farhad (loan officer and designated driver for the day). Along the way we stop off at a mosque that is being renovated to leave a small donation and pray for a safe journey. The... Continue Reading >>
Nov 3, 2014
Azerbaijan
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Kiva fellow is travelling to remote towns and villages and meeting borrowers whose lives are impacted by our loans. Recently I had my first field trip in Azerbaijan and would like to share some observations and stories. Leaving the Baku cityscape behind you everything quickly turns rural and much more basic. Go beyond the main highway and up any narrow side track and you are transported back in time to a land where the horse and cart is more common... Continue Reading >>
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Kiva fellow is travelling to remote towns and villages and meeting borrowers whose lives are impacted by our loans. Recently I had my first field trip in Azerbaijan and would like to share some observations and stories. Leaving the Baku cityscape behind you everything quickly turns rural and much more basic. Go beyond the main highway and up any narrow side track and you are transported back in time to a land where the horse and cart is more common... Continue Reading >>
Oct 8, 2014
Azerbaijan
Thoughts on my first week in Azerbaijan and working with the wonderful people at AqroInvest. So finally after weeks struggling to get a visa I eventually arrive in Azerbaijan. I somehow manage to navigate the creaking Baku metro system and find my way to the AqroInvest office. But what next? Well….the people are unbelievably friendly. It’s like one big happy family. There’s a real sense of unity and team spirit. I’m immediately invited to dinner and have the opportunity to... Continue Reading >>
Thoughts on my first week in Azerbaijan and working with the wonderful people at AqroInvest. So finally after weeks struggling to get a visa I eventually arrive in Azerbaijan. I somehow manage to navigate the creaking Baku metro system and find my way to the AqroInvest office. But what next? Well….the people are unbelievably friendly. It’s like one big happy family. There’s a real sense of unity and team spirit. I’m immediately invited to dinner and have the opportunity to... Continue Reading >>
Sep 18, 2014
Global Update
“Your mission Jim, should you chose to accept it…..” drones the familiar voice. We all know what happens next. Well my mission was to share my thoughts and experiences of Fellows training week. So here goes…. The Kiva workspace is extraordinary. Located in downtown San Francisco it is a large loft type space with an industrial feel. Any resemblance to the bland, hierarchical, corporate culture I've been used to in the oil industry was entirely coincidental. Incredibly casual - think jeans, T-shirts, flip flops. With a beer keg and tap in the middle of the office and honesty... Continue Reading >>
“Your mission Jim, should you chose to accept it…..” drones the familiar voice. We all know what happens next. Well my mission was to share my thoughts and experiences of Fellows training week. So here goes…. The Kiva workspace is extraordinary. Located in downtown San Francisco it is a large loft type space with an industrial feel. Any resemblance to the bland, hierarchical, corporate culture I've been used to in the oil industry was entirely coincidental. Incredibly casual - think jeans, T-shirts, flip flops. With a beer keg and tap in the middle of the office and honesty... Continue Reading >>