A sad event, noted in the Journals today: Mark Agwonah

[Guest]

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[wind5001]

Richard, great idea!

Probably Kiva staff will know whom to contact...

[Laurie]

Oli, that sounds GREAT!  The gift certificate idea is wonderful.  Thanks so much for stepping up!

If others think the idea has merit, let's go.

-- Laurie

[Laurie]

I just sent this email to Irene Kamau of Action Now Kenya.  I will let you know what/if I hear back:
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Dear Ms. Kamau,

My name is Laurie Brown, and I am one of the thousands of people around the world who help fund microfinance loans through Kiva.  Many of us have, today, read your heartbreaking report of Mark's death. 

First, I feel such great pain for his mother.  Please let her know how many of us hold her in our thoughts.

Second, we are appalled by the circumstances of his death, and feel helpless in addressing it.  I would not be surprised if you receive emails from many Kiva lenders - we are united in our outrage.

Is there anything that you know of that we lenders can do to help this situation?  Can we make financial donations to Mark's mother?  Can we write letters to appropriate officials or news organizations for support in an investigation?

I live around the globe and, by your standards, I probably live a very sheltered life.  I would not want to take any step that would endanger anyone in your community or the work that you do - but I, and many of us who loan through Kiva, are at your service if we can help in any meaningful way.

With my highest regards for you and your work,
Laurie Brown

[Henry]

a terrible loss for his family, it also makes me think of the way people in these countries rely so much on family for living.  Unlike here where we (children) mostly go on about our business. (i probably could have said that in a better way).  I think I conveyed what i'm thinking.  

I'm sad about this, never dreamed these were issues we might face by loaning in KIVA. It's obvious this exist, just didn't think I'd ever be this close to it.

If I were in on this loan, for the family, I'd like a 'release my share' button that would enable the MFI to forgive my share of the debt.

My name is on whatever someone can come up with to offer our support to the family.

[wind5001]

I applaud your mail, Laurie. And your consideration.

Let's wait for some more reactions on the fund, and I will contact the MFI whether they find it appropriate, if we set something up like this  (including whether we could use Mark's photo). But I am sooo ready to DO something!

Hugs
Oli

Henry: What do you think of a fund?

[Henry]

I'm going to have to think about that.  Two issues came to mind, and lately I've been jumping the gun possibly on things.  So give me a day to ponder!

[Good Dogg]

Kenya is a dangerous place: http://usembassy.state.gov/nairobi/wwwhtrwake.html .

[wind5001]

Matthew,

the thing is: this was state authorities acting! I know this happens in these countries, but it does not make my anger go away...

[wind5001]

Henry,

well understood. We are not going to rush anything on this. But: I have written to Ms. Kamau and, amongst other things, indicated that we are floating the idea of fund in Mark's memory and asked for her advice. I would definitely wait until she has answered.

BTW: Has anyone seen a reaction of Kiva yet? I just checked their blog, but there was nothing. Maybe someone should give them a notice...

Oli

[Good Dogg]

I e-mailed the link to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi to ask where is the best place to complain.  I'll let you know if they respond.