Fellows Blog

Stories from the field

voyageons

Fellows Blog Posts by voyageons

Mar 10, 2010

Gemma North, KF9, Cambodia

–“Do you want the middle or the side?”

–“I’ll take the middle…and I don’t need a pillow,” I add, feeling this is the least I can do for the two  Tellers at CREDIT’s Krolanh Sub-branch, who are graciously sharing their reed mat with me for the next few nights.  Before we settle in, we patch together some English and Khmai as they explain to me how long they have worked for CREDIT MFI, when they get to see their families and what degrees they are pursuing in their little free time.  When I compliment the Head Teller on her nails...

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Feb 10, 2010

By Gemma North, KF9, Cambodia

What type of toilet facility does the household have?

A. Pit latrine, septic tank, other without septic tank, public toilet, shared toilet, or other

B. Connected to sewerage

C. Open land

D. None

...

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Jan 20, 2010

Gemma North, KF9, Cambodia

–“I used my loan to purchase a motorcycle to transport my baskets to the market.”

–“My loan helped to buy a motorcycle for my husband to help his moto-taxi business.”

–“We used the funds to purchase tools for our mechanic business so we can fix more motorcycles…”

After nearly a month and a half of helping to post updates on CREDIT MFI’s clients, I have grown used to, and almost expect these descriptions

...
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Jan 4, 2010 KH Cambodia

By Gemma North, KF9, Cambodia

I spend a lot of time walking the streets of Phnom Penh.  This is not a common practice for Cambodians, who know better than to try and navigate the chaotic sidewalks which are essentially an outdoor extension of stores, restaurants and living rooms, or even spaces for entirely separate businesses such as bicycle repairmen, women selling barbecued chicken feet, or mobile phone refill kiosks.  Yet I enjoy steering through this obstacle course as it allows me to take in, and slowly understand the details and habits that make up peoples’ daily...

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Dec 10, 2009 KH Cambodia

By Gemma North, KF9, Cambodia

So goes my Cambodian colleague’s expression on the value of experience.  It has been just over a week since I arrived in Phnom Penh to begin my fellowship with CREDIT.  Before coming I had done some reading on Cambodia’s history and culture, but had tried to arrive without any preconceived notions.  After spending just a short time in the field however, it became clear that I had brought along my “western” mind and misconceptions.  Luckily, I have had the chance to address a few of my assumptions on microfinance. 

To begin with, I have...

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