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Stories from Nicaragua

May 5, 2013 Nicaragua

Riding a motorcycle in a developing country is, well, eventful to say the least. The term “road hazard” takes on a whole new meaning. Horse drawn carts, herds of cattle, stray chickens – the possibilities are endless. The first time I had the pleasure of experiencing a motorcycle ride in Nicaragua was the day I met Claudia.

Trying to look tough...not sure I pull it off in my preppy Kiva polo

The purpose of my adventure was... Continue Reading >

Apr 4, 2013 Guatemala, Nicaragua

This blog post was co-authored by Jeff Nelson, KF20 Guatemala and Matt Bastone, KF20 Nicaragua. We recently met-up on Jeff’s home turf in Guatemala to witness one of the most important religious holidays throughout all of Latin America: Semana Santa. We were inspired to write this post because, well, it was an amazing experience and an important tradition in many people’s lives.

Photo taken in the Guatemalan town of Santa Catarina Palopó, which is...

Mar 3, 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... Continue Reading >

Feb 2, 2013 Nicaragua

Mural outside Tecnosol's office in Managua, Nicaragua

For a moment, think about what you do in a normal, everyday, 24-hour time period. Take a second; no rush.

Got it? Now imagine it without electricity.

I’m guessing a significant portion of your everyday activities would suddenly become impossible, extremely less efficient, or flat-out uncomfortable. Sure, you could probably go without some of the... Continue Reading >

Jan 1, 2013 El Salvador, Nicaragua

Different beginning and end of the year in Central America By Juan Barbed

When I hear the words “Christmas” and “end of the year” my mind quickly thinksabout Christmas trees, baby Jesus, cold, family, presents, snow and many more. When I ask the people from Centroamerica whatcomes to their mind with these same words they mostly answer the same, the only thing they change is they don´t say cold neither snow, and they normally include beach or river instead of them.

1st January in Rivas, Nicaragua

After tough 3 months of work in El Salvador with Fundación Campo, Padecomsm and Integral I have just taken deserved holidays. Destination: South of...

Dec 12, 2012 Nicaragua

VIDEO – Kiva loans to sick ex-sugarcane workers in Nicaragua By Luan Nio

by Luan Nio | KF18 Nicaragua | KF19 San Diego, USA

It’s November and the sugar cane cutting season has started in Nicaragua.

Even though I am back in my comfortable home in the US, I can’t stop thinking about the...

Sep 9, 2012 Nicaragua

My Week with Premal – Kiva’s President visiting borrowers and partners in Nicaragua By Luan Nio

He is named Global Young Leader by the World Economic Forum and is on the Forbes 40 under 40 list.
It is easy to become impressed, maybe intimidated by a person that holds such accolades. But Premal Shah, president of Kiva, is the last person to become intimidated by. However, impressed? Yes, highly. And he was coming my way to Nicaragua.

Premal Shah’s lender page on Kiva. Note that he made over 300 loans.

The only time I...

Sep 9, 2012 Nicaragua

About Nicaraguan beer and rum – brought to you by Kiva clients By Luan Nio

Toña – the local beer in Nicaragua

The local rum is truly delicious. The most famous brand is Flor de Caña and is best drunk pure with ice. It is also very common to order a bottle, a bucket of ice, lemon, salt and a gaseosa of choice and build your own cocktails at your table.

Build-your-own Flor de Caña cocktails at your table with a bucket of ice, lemon...

Jan 1, 2010 Nicaragua

Bad Roads, Interest Rates, and MFI Sustainability By Meg Gray

By Meg Gray, KF9 Nicaragua

One example of a bad road I have faced.

I’ve driven over some pretty terrible roads over the last three months. It doesn’t seem to matter if they’re gravel, paved, dirt, or a mixture of the three. In Nicaragua every road has character and usually this “character” makes it harder to get to CEPRODEL’s clients. Now besides being an inconvenience, why does this matter? It matters because...

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Kiva Fellows are volunteers who maximize Kiva's impact around the world. By working closely with our Field Partners in over 50 countries, they make sure loan dollars go where they're needed most -- while having a few adventures along the way. Learn more >

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Stories from Nicaragua