Is it possible to go to help directly a Kiva partner association in its country?

[Guest]

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[menicolas]

Hi all kiva friends,

My questions is simple: Is it possible to go to help directly a Kiva partner association in its country? (instead of helping Kiva in America by volontering or translation)

After reading a lot about microfinancing, I think I might be able to help directly association(s) where it is based (help maybe in running the association, help teaching entrepreneur how to save, help making things more transparent maybe... I don't know... so many things could be possible...)

Basically, I would be no cost at all for Kiva or the association anyone since I want to give some time for a good cause, I have the funds to pay the travelling to go there, and the staying and living cost...

Is it a good idea? and if not why?
is it one thing which is already being done? and if not why?

NB: I am thinking about Togo, but it does not really matter where it is I guess

Thanks for your advice,

If some of you think it is a good idea, then I will develop more my ideas here.

Menicolas.

[wthepoo]

Hi Menicolas,

and welcome to KivaFriends! What a great first post...

IMHO it's a great and very generous idea and you should definitely follow through with it. My suggestion would be to contact the Kiva partners directly and ask if they have any use for qualified volunteers. In many cases you will find email-addresses or links to websites on the partner profile page of the MFIs.

For Togo:
WAGES http://www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=111 => email: wages@cafe.tg
Microfund Togo http://www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=22 => email: microfund99@hotmail.com / microfund33@yahoo.fr
FECECAV http://www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=99 => email: fcecav@yahoo.fr
HELP Africa http://www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=45 => email: helpafrica@yahoo.com

HELP Africa in particular seems to need any help they can get...

Another MFI/country you might consider is GHAPE in Cameroon:
GHAPE http://www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=40 => website: http://www.ghape.org/index.htm

Best wishes and good luck with your endeavour,
Wolfgang.

[menicolas]

Hi Wolfgang,

I had already listed these 4 associations, and I was thinking about writing them. (thanks for relisting them. You are exceptional)

But I wanted to make sure that it's something do-able before I write them.

For HELP Africa, I was also thinking about it, since they are a bit in trouble, but then I thought that I am not superman... I am willing to help, but I might not be good enough to really save them. I think (I might be wrong) that sometimes it's good to let the black sheep go down... to let room for new better ones.

I guess I might be of better help to work with one of the other 3 and help them not to follow the path of HELP Africa. Maybe less challenging, but more manageable (especially if I am limited in time)

Thanks also for the welcome!

Menicolas.

[waywardcats]

Hi all kiva friends,

My questions is simple: Is it possible to go to help directly a Kiva partner association in its country? (instead of helping Kiva in America by volontering or translation)

After reading a lot about microfinancing, I think I might be able to help directly association(s) where it is based (help maybe in running the association, help teaching entrepreneur how to save, help making things more transparent maybe... I don't know... so many things could be possible...)

Basically, I would be no cost at all for Kiva or the association anyone since I want to give some time for a good cause, I have the funds to pay the travelling to go there, and the staying and living cost...

Is it a good idea? and if not why?
is it one thing which is already being done? and if not why?

NB: I am thinking about Togo, but it does not really matter where it is I guess

Thanks for your advice,

If some of you think it is a good idea, then I will develop more my ideas here.

Menicolas.

Hi Menicolas and  to kiva Friends!

I am curious if you have looked into applying for the Kiva Fellows program?  What you describe here is pretty much what the Fellows do after some training with Kiva.  Although this is focused on their relationship with Kiva, and perhaps you are more interested in helping the organizations directly?

I agree with Woflgang, your idea is certainly worth pursuing, I am looking forward to hearing more about your plans!

-Kerry-

[menicolas]

Thanks Kerry,

That Fellow program gives me even more ideas. I am living in Europe, so I won't be able to attend a training in America. But it gives me some ideas of things I can bring to the Kiva partner association. I might even contact the fellow program asking them for more tips before I set off (planned end of this month or beginning of next)

Your are being a great help on this forum. Thanks again!

Menicolas.

[kent513]

Hullo Menicolas,

Am really writing about a past important topic. In many parts of Africa, there are different levels of microfinance developments -in Uganda the most current ones are called "Saving and Credit Coorperatives' SACCO) They are found on the very bottom of development. Most are not partners of Kiva neither do they  know a thing about Kiva lending. They stand on membership shares and savings, so they would best use such intellectual financial skills. Most Kiva partners in developmet have been red tape here because of their
failure to comply with Kiva's integrity.

I think that Kiva's vision is very essential in the eradication of poverty its only un fortunate that, few kiva micro finance institutions are readily available to the rural working poor. Your ambition is very welcome, you would consider finding information abot any other MFIs, to help them get listed on the Kiva movement!

best wishes,
Richard-Uganda.

Hi all kiva friends,

My questions is simple: Is it possible to go to help directly a Kiva partner association in its country? (instead of helping Kiva in America by volontering or translation)

After reading a lot about microfinancing, I think I might be able to help directly association(s) where it is based (help maybe in running the association, help teaching entrepreneur how to save, help making things more transparent maybe... I don't know... so many things could be possible...)

Basically, I would be no cost at all for Kiva or the association anyone since I want to give some time for a good cause, I have the funds to pay the travelling to go there, and the staying and living cost...

Is it a good idea? and if not why?
is it one thing which is already being done? and if not why?

NB: I am thinking about Togo, but it does not really matter where it is I guess

Thanks for your advice,

If some of you think it is a good idea, then I will develop more my ideas here.

Menicolas.