Fellows Blog Posts by Sloane Berrent

Aug 10, 2009 PH Philippines

By Sloane Berrent, KF8, Ahon sa Hirap, Inc, Philippines

A Center Meeting in San Jose, Antique, Philippines.

“How has Ahon sa Hirap, Inc.” (ASHI and my host microfinance institution) “being here in your barangay or in your town helped your community?”

I ask the women from ASHI during each Center meeting that I attend. There are a few variations on this question. I ask how their lives have changed and what the Center... Continue Reading >>


Jul 13, 2009 PH Philippines

By Sloane Berrent, KF8, Philippines

Special Mission should you choose to accept.

The Kiva Fellows Program is looking for a Tagalog-speaking (or Cebuano) person of Filipino descent for a placement at a microfinance institution on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. That means you must be comfortable being placed there and traveling around the region.

Why Tagalog/Cebuano speaking and Filipino?

Kiva abides very closely to the State Department issued warning and there is currently a travel advisory against U.S. citizens...

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Jul 6, 2009 PH Philippines

By Sloane Berrent, KF8, Philippines

“Tell Ma’am Sloane about your recent project.” Sir Rexon asks Sir Ronnie while we sit having lunch on Talim Island in Binangon, Rizal, where I am visiting an ASHI branch for the day. Everyone here goes by Ma’am and Sir as a sign of respect.

This island, is the 12th and final stop on the small transporter boat from Morong, and one of ASHI’s strongest branches and most remote. No cars are on the island, only tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) and the main thoroughfare’s fences in front...

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Jun 18, 2009 PH Philippines

By Sloane Berrent, KF8, Philippines

As a Kiva Fellow, drinking the Kiva kool-aid and eating, living, breathing Kiva day-in and day-out, my browser is full of tabs following Kiva online. I wanted to share those ways to connect with you. So you too, can friend, follow, subscribe and join away!

Blogs:

  • Kiva Fellows – a great place to read all about the stories, experiences and reflections of the approximately 40 Kiva Fellows that are currently in the field.
  • Kiva Blog – To read about happenings from Kiva HQ including new country...
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Jun 15, 2009 PH Philippines

My First Center Meeting with Antique Southwest Group

By Sloane Berrent, KF8, Philippines

Just five days into my Kiva Fellowship, one thing I already know, this is truly an amazing experience, no two ways about it. I am learning things, going places, meeting people that never in a million years would a normal traveler experience.

It’s also quite frankly, hard. This isn’t like jaunting in my solo travels around the world, being carefree and on my own...

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