Mark Agwonah Fund -- discussion

[Guest]

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[Diane R]

You may have noticed an uptick in recent days in loans made in Kenya by the Mark Agwonah Fund.  That's because Oli and I have been joined by Charmaine and Alan in managing the lending for this account, to be sure the funds continue circulating in Kenya in Mark's memory.  Thank you, Charmaine and Alan, for joining us and helping to extend his legacy to many more.  I'll be posting a snapshot of the status of the Mark Agwonah Fund this weekend, and if any of you should happen across a Kenyan loan which you feel needs to be added to the portfolio, please don't hesitate to write to us and suggest it: it's likely one of us will see the PM and try to join the loan. 

There has been a suggestion to create a lending team in memory of Mark Agwonah also, so others could credit Kenyan loans to his memory.  Would you support that step, or would that be more than you'd feel "necessary" or right?

Thanks everyone for your continued caring.  (And you're right, Bernice, it's a great loan to have added to the portfolio!)

--Diane.

[wind5001]

I wrote it to my colleagues in private, but here it is in public, too:

I have mixed feelings towards a Mark group, but I think they can be overcome. My main obstacle at this point is, that I personally always liked to credit the loans to the KF group since it is KFs that made the Fund possible in the first place. Taking away from that into an own Mark group right now seems like a less good option to me.

Also, I believe that the story will not necessarily get further out by having a group. But I might be mistaken.

What I like about the idea is the joining in on loans (although I am not making currency risk loans and therefore none to Kenya any more personally).

My 2 cents
Oli

[cjp1973]

Perhaps it would be more than is "necessary" and the lender portfolio gives the chance to get information about the fund.  Thanks for your take on it Oli.  Your comments about kivafriends and their involvement in the starting of the fund sees somehow more appropriate.  To honor both, the person behind the memorial and the ones that made it possible. 

[alan]

Sorry to be slow to respond, but I've been away for a couple of days. I am neutral on the question of a team. I think there are good arguments both for and against. The connection to the KF team is a strong argument against. On the other hand, the ability potentially to include more Kenyan loans than the fund has credit for may be an argument for. But I agree that a team isn't "necessary". I leave any decision to the group.

[Canadian Here]

Have you seen the loan (NOW posted) for the printing business in Kenya?
Maybe a good choice for Mark's fund...
Thanks!

Lorna (& "The Critters")

[wind5001]

I take it that for now we stick with the "established" team? (God, who would have thought that I'd be sticking with the established...something is seriously wrong with me  ).

[cjp1973]

I take it that for now we stick with the "established" team? (God, who would have thought that I'd be sticking with the established...something is seriously wrong with me  ).

I think it is fine decision to stick with the way things are! 

[alan]

I think it is fine decision to stick with the way things are! 

Agreed.

[wind5001]

I am happy and proud to announce, that the Fund has received a GC this morning in the value of $50. Thank you, generous gifter!

It seems the rules to activate a GC have changed on Kiva, so I had to make a loan in order to redeem it (oh shame, I know...). I made a loan which instantly reminded me of Mark's mother, known to us as Mama Mark. I see a strong and beautiful woman on it. I hope Mama Mark is doing well!

Here is the loan: http://www.kiva.org/lend/175083



EDIT: Can someone minimize the pic please?

(EDITED by Diane R in her moderator hat: Done! Clicking the above photo will open a large beautiful version in another browser tab/window.)

[mejane]

my measly thoughts....
sometimes it's time to let things go, i'm sure there are some kind folks on KF who would be willing to assume the resonsibilities - Look at KSC - three amazing ladies took it over from me and are doing a fantastic job!!! (better than I ever did    

What a kind thing to say Henry!  It is not that we are doing a better job........ there are just 3 of us to do it.  You started an amazing endeavor and should be proud of what you accomplished!


Jane