microfinance

Stories tagged with microfinance

May 5, 2013 Azerbaijan

Having lived here for three months now, it's easy to forget how oblivious I was of this country before I arrived. Few even know where Azerbaijan is on a map. You (just about every one of you) has never and probably will never see this place.

So, here is a collection of photos from three months of travels. It’s but a glimpse, an unworthy speck of what can be called life in Azerbaijan. Pictures from Sabirabad, Imishli, Bilasuvar, Agsu, Goychay, Beylagan, and Agjabedi.

Some towns are centuries old; others no more than a...

May 5, 2013 Global Update

Rainbow seen from Matatu near Mwingi town

When you are looking at the Kiva website, you might occasionally wonder: “Is that a real person and are they really getting a loan for what they’re saying?” How does Kiva make sure their partners are doing what they claim to be doing? They send out over-qualified but eager volunteers who ride hundreds of hours on public transportation, drink countless cups of tea, and... Continue Reading >

May 5, 2013 Uganda

The most compelling benefit of microfinance and the reason I was drawn to the Kiva fellowship is its potential to empower the most vulnerable people around the world, particularly women. It’s no secret that women have the greatest impact on their families and their well-being, especially when they have more control over household finances. Across most of the developing world, this is not the case but organizations that work to reach women in these countries are helping to change that. Solar Sister is one such organization based in Kampala, Uganda.

Approximately... Continue Reading >

May 5, 2013 Sierra Leone

The website of a foreign-owned diamond mining company in Sierra Leone states, "Our Diamonds Doing Good: Follow our progress as we demonstrate that responsible and sustainable diamond mining can - and will - elevate and empower the people, the economy, and the country of Sierra Leone."

During my second week in Sierra Leone as a Kiva Fellow, I visited Kono district where this company - among others - bases its operations, and if this trip has taught me anything, it is that there is little evidence that diamond mining has brought any...

May 5, 2013 Tajikistan

Tajik samosas filled with wild greens

Ask most people where the samosa originated and they will probably mention India. But in fact, these little pastry treats took off in Central Asia and spread to India via the Silk Road. Now samosas can be found in various incarnations, everywhere from Afghanistan to Egypt. In Afghanistan, the savory meat parcel is sprinkled with pistachio and sugar. They’... Continue Reading >

Apr 4, 2013 South Africa

These students are in their second year of college at the Maharishi Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa. They will graduate with a Bachelor's in Business Administration in 2015.

As you can see, they had fun taking pictures for their Kiva profiles!

The ladies took the task very seriously. They dressed to impress and made last minute touch-ups to their hair and make-up. And then there was the posing…it was a Kiva photo shoot!

But let me back up and explain how these particular students became Kiva...

Apr 4, 2013 Cape Verde

Welcome to Fogo

Before going to Senegal, I knew I had to take a week off the country during my fellowship to renew my visa (Tourist Visa is only 3 month and I stay 4 in Senegal). From Dakar, there is not much choice for a cheap and direct fly to a nice country : Bamako, Abidjan, Niamey or Praia.
For the first three destinations, I wonder if it was the best time for a French guy to go out there…so, with little convictions, I decided to flight to Cape Verde.
I have to... Continue Reading >

Apr 4, 2013 Global Update

The view on sub-Saharan Africa is changing. No longer do stories of tribal wars, starving children and endemic diseases dominate the updates from the region. A new, more hopeful and optimistic picture is emerging; a reality of solid GDP-growth, more widely practiced reasonably free and fair elections, and a wealth of natural resources that range from oil and gas to diamonds and rare minerals.

Apr 4, 2013 Uganda

As a life-long foodie one of my burning questions before coming to Uganda was “what is the food like?” After two and half months in Kampala I’ve had my share of Ugandan food both in the city and in the village.

Most offices have subsidized lunches which can cost as little as 1,000 UGX ($0.40) but most are probably around 2,000 to 3,000 UGX ($0.80 to $1.20). A bargain either way! The typical meal is made up of at least 2 types of starch, a protein, and vegetable.

Sadly, I’ve discovered that seasoning or spice is non-existent in Ugandan... Continue Reading >

Apr 4, 2013 United States

A Kiva Zip Entrepreneur in Chicago By Abhishesh Adhikari

By: Abhishesh Adhikari

One of the best parts about my Kiva Fellowship has been the opportunity I get to meet and interact with entrepreneurs. During the 4 months that I spent in Kyrgyzstan, I helped Bai Tushum (Kiva’s partner MFI) launch a new Startup Loan Product and met a wide variety of entrepreneurs all across that country. After I got back from Kyrgyzstan in January, I have been working on a new Kiva project called Kiva Zip, trying to expand it here in Chicago.

Kiva Zip is a new initiative to make interest-free, small business loans to entrepreneurs in...

Stories tagged with microfinance

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