Hello,
It is soooo very close to having the fifth loan close, and I am
Featured Field Partner is Pro Mujer, Bolivia. I chose this because of the blackboard in the background of the picture. VIH – SIDA is written on it. SIDA sounded familiar to me from my travels in Europe. It was written discretely on a paper in a second story window along with some other words. It was French, but my fellow traveler said it meant AIDS. Let’s just say I was in a red light district…So I babelfish VIH SIDA and it means, HIV AIDS. Sure enough, Pro Mujer does health education including AIDS education and Pap tests for early detection of cervical cancer issues. Over 4000 children were treated for respiratory infections and diarrhea, which can be life threatening in the youngest children! More than 1600 children received required vaccinations. They also offer legal education and support which might be used for victims of domestic abuse. Additionally, there is a computer center for children to learn basic literacy, word processing and spreadsheets.
“FINANCIAL SERVICES
Pro Mujer offers loan capital for the women’s small-scale businesses and opportunities to save a portion of their profits through the communal bank structure. Bolivia is a very competitive environment for microfinance, and Pro Mujer has successfully carved out its niche as one that reaches the most marginalized women, typically migrants from the rural areas to the poor neighborhoods surrounding major cities such as La Paz. These women bring their skills and strong convictions to provide for their families, but very few are able to access the formal financial institutions, even the specialized regulated institutions. For these women, credit alone does not serve their needs. Pro Mujer provides an alternative delivery system for its credit services, the group oriented communal banks which appeals to women traditionally accustomed to working in community groups. Secondly, Pro Mujer offers integrated credit and training services which few other organizations offer.” All this is according to their partner information.
http://www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=59 Sometimes we look at interest rates alone to judge what it costs to get a loan, but this is one time that I am thinking that the higher rate is a big part of the success of the women. I mean financially, emotionally, and physically.
Please share Kiva with someone whose life has been touched by AIDS, Cervical Cancer, or domestic abuse. They can show support for their cause and fight poverty all at once by making a loan through Pro Mujer.
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=46298The newest challenge is to fully fund these Bolivian loans by Thursday at midnight.
Again, $5 per filled loan toward yet another loan. And as soon as a fifth loan closes, I will contribute my loan toward a challenge loan!
1. This is the one that inspired me. Look at the chalkboard.
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=46298Today is all about Bolivia as I think this is long enough! The previous post contains loans which are still in the running through Monday at midnight! I am off to get 40 winks...
Colette
