From February through to the end of April 2009 I feel privileged to be a Kiva Fellow working in Vietnam. I have recently finished Kiva Fellows training in San Francisco, and the people that I have met… and the passion and heart shared by everyone connected to this organization has moved me forever.
What is Kiva?
Kiva is revolutionary online lending platform that enables people to do extraordinary things. Its website connects lenders worldwide to entrepreneurs in the developing world. Users are invited to read business profiles of borrowers, select an entrepreneur and lend as little as $25 to help lift them out of poverty in a sustainable way. (www.kiva.org)
What is a Kiva Fellow?
Kiva Fellows serve as a bridge between Kiva, the MFIs (microfinance institutions), borrowers and lenders. We work in the field to enhance Kiva partnerships and facilitate the connection between borrowers and lenders by being the eyes and ears on the ground. (To find out more about the fellows program, please go to: http://www.kiva.org/about/fellows-program/)
What am I going to be doing?
I will be working in Vietnam with the Fund for Thanh Hoa Poor Women (TCVM), a partner of Save the Children. I have many goals for my time here and hope that you will keep checking in with me here for more details!
