Fellows Blog

Stories from the field

Stories tagged with blogsherpa

Apr 4, 2013 DO Dominican Republic

by Rose Larsen | KF20 | Dominican Republic

One of my first tasks upon arriving in the Dominican Republic was to visit 10 borrowers, chosen at random from all of the borrowers with ASPIRE (Kiva’s partner MFI), to verify data and find out how they are doing on their loan. This was an exciting but challenging introduction to daily Dominican life, as I navigated Santo Domingo and the surrounding areas via shared taxis, public buses, motorcycles, the metro and my own feet. I traversed bustling neighborhoods in the center of Santo Domingo, small towns in...

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Apr 4, 2013 GO Global Update
In early February, I interviewed female borrowers in rural Guatemala. Fresh in the field, I was intimidated by seasoned farmers, leathered hands, and weathered grins. My pleated khakis seemed out of place.  We bounced through conversation enjoying the novelty of unfamiliar company.

 ... Continue Reading >>
Mar 3, 2013 MX Mexico
"Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting.  We allow them to disperse because we've been ignorant of their value." - R. Buckminister Fuller

"No hay desechos, solo recursos" - Sistema Biobolsa slogan
 
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Mar 3, 2013 MN Mongolia

Munkhbayar, the Kiva Coordinator, promoting Kiva loans at Transcapital

Last week I started visiting some of Kiva’s borrowers with Transcapital, one of Kiva’s field partners that I’m working with here in Mongolia. While it was really encouraging to see Transcapital’s enthusiasm for Kiva at the head office as well as its various branch offices around Ulaanbaatar (UB), the new insights I’ve gained on urban poverty—both from these visits as well as just day-to-day life here—have...

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Mar 3, 2013 RW Rwanda
A result of entrepreneurial success - a cow like this is worth $800

In a post-conflict country like Rwanda, the level of innovation and entrepreneurship, especially amongst women, continues to amaze me. Urwego Opportunity International has more than 50% female borrowers. Many women, post-genocide, embarked on the entrepreneurial route as a way of supporting their families and move towards a more prosperous future. I am curious to hear their stories, and how their lives have improved as a result of hard work and... Continue Reading >>
Mar 3, 2013 AZ Azerbaijan
After 5 straight weeks of gray skies, cold winds, and not a drop of sunshine, spring is finally here!  Leaves are emerging and flowers are starting to bloom from the previously barren landscape.  The warm weather also means I can finally lose my heavy winter coat for a slightly lighter coat.
 
March 20 marks the start of Novruz, the Persian New Year.  Around the country semeni are displayed sprouting, symbolizing the rebirth of the land and hopes for a bountiful harvest.  (More about Novruz in a future post!)
 

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Mar 3, 2013 KE 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...

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Mar 3, 2013 ZA South Africa

Joburg's Central Business District has the most dense collection of skyscrapers in 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... Continue Reading >>
Mar 3, 2013 IN 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... Continue Reading >>
Mar 3, 2013 NI 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 >>

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