Compiled by Kathrin Gerner, KF15, Togo
Learn about the tradition of Zulu weddings in South Africa. Find out how Kiva’s partners adapt the concept of microfinance to fit their country-specific needs: from loans targeting borrowers affected by emigration in Ecuador, over a preference for group loans in El Salvador, to lending coupled with various training programs in Rwanda. Finish off your weekly reading by learning about crime-fighting Kivans in Nicaragua.
Zulu Weddings
Country: South Africa / Fellow: Daniel Jung (KF15)
Daniel tells us about Zulu weddings and explains how borrowers earn income by making mats, clothes, and jewelry required for the traditional ceremony.
Migration and Microloans
Country: Ecuador / Fellow: Kate Bennett (KF15)
Kate uses the example of “five dudes from New Jersey building a spa” to illustrate how Fundación Alternativa helps Ecuadorians stay in Ecuador by targeting borrowers affected by emigration.
Communal banks? Why not just an individual loan?
Country: El Salvador / Fellow: John Gwillim (KF15)
John is intrigued by Fondo Esperanza’s preference for group loans and does some research to find out more.
More Than Just Money
Country: Rwanda / Fellow: Carolyn Nold (KF15)
Carolyn shows us how Urwego Opportunity Bank empowers borrowers by providing training in household financial, business, and health management.
Fighting Crime…..Kiva Style
Country: Nicaragua / Fellow: Jason Jones (KF15)
Drawing from personal experience, Jason tells us about crime in Nicaragua and how Kiva lenders help fight it one loan at a time.
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Updates from the past month:
Roads, Remittances + the “Little Paris” of Togo
New Partners, Country-Specific Microfinance + Stories of a Kiva Fellowship
Mosquito Nets, Rock Climbing + Clearing the Air
Instability, Trust + A New Home
Unsung Heroes, Community Alliances + and Mission Statements Made Reality
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Plus more pictures from the past week: