My Project

by Chris

Stephanie and I are in the process of writing our reports for the past trimester and I thought I would share the details of a project I am working on, which in many regards will define my service here. Below is exactly what the members of our management team will read:

This project is based on the model and process laid out by FINCA. My role in this project has been to invite community members, encourage doubters, and facilitate meetings and workshops.

The micro lending enterprise has several benefits as outlined below.

The idea, first and foremost is to sell shares in a new enterprise. With the money raised we make loans available to community members, with the stipulation that they will use the loan for productive activities. We earn a percentage and a commission on our loans. Loans are, therefore the catalyst that keeps the system going. The income generated from these loans is both the first benefit I wanted to talk about as well as the major motivator to keep the board of directors working diligently.

Secondly we offer a savings program for minors. We allow them to make deposits roughly once a week and allow them to withdraw only twice per year. We offer our depositors 10% interest. All of the money for this program is also used to make loans available. Along with this program we also offer workshops about savings, financial literacy and healthy lifestyles. The second benefit is a chance to earn a high percentage on a savings program.

The third level of benefit is the new availability of loans. This project makes loans available to the community without a hugely bureaucratic process, at the same time the enterprise charges roughly half the interest of other, larger organizations and an even smaller percentage when compared to other “predatory” loan services. Through this service development can be achieved on a personal level for people who now have access to funds and options to start or expand businesses that they otherwise would not, were the services not available.

The fourth and last level of benefit is the training and practical experience gained by the members of the board of directors. They volunteer to do all the work, and in return, they receive their part of the profit as well as a huge amount of experience in business management, loan administration, and accounting among other topics.

Video Producer

by Stephanie

Something new I can add to my resume is “amateur video producer;” I’ve made about 5 videos since we’ve been here and I think they’re pretty ok.

 

Here’s one I made for a fellow PCV who is trying to raise money for a project.  Check it out!

Yesterday in Pictures

by Stephanie

There was a mariachi for Papi Nayo’s bday!

Papi Nayo with Ale at the former’s birthday celebration

Our town’s soccer coach is organizing a volleyball tournament for the kids.

View from the plaza

Mami Vicky

by Stephanie

Sitting at the table with Mami Vicky.  I am finishing my coffee as she sits with a plate of fried plantain and chicken in front of her.

“Usted conoce Arenal?” I ask her.

“No,” she says, eyes not leaving the plantain in her hands.

“Quiere conocerlo?”

There is a long pause, during which she mashes some chicken and plantain together in her fingers.  As she watches those fingers, a grin slowly spreads across her face.

“Cuando van?” she smiles at me.

Busy

by Stephanie

Sometimes people ask us what a “typical” day looks like in our lives.  The truth is, we have no typical days.  We go through phases of being really busy and phases of having nothing to do.  Right now, we are busy.  Here is what our schedule looks like from here til next weekend:

The micro-lending project Chris is working on will start selling shares on Wednesday.  Also, we will be having an art camp and hosting four other volunteers who will graciously be helping us with the camp.  The camp will run for four days, from 8am til noon.  In the evenings, either Chris or I have a meeting every day but Thursday.  I also have dance rehearsal 3 days next week.  I just planned (in great detail) a schedule for when my parents are here in March (!!!), and have been working on countless Excel spreadsheets to keep myself organized.  Tomorrow, we go into town to buy all our camp supplies, as well as all the new things we’ll need for the house we’re moving into at the end of next week.  Then also there’s the time I spend on the internets between Excel sessions.    Oh, and I am helping another volunteer by making a video to promote one of her projects and help get it funded (a computer lab in her town… I’ll post the video when it’s done so you can help her out!).

So, all of that next week.  The following week promises to be just as busy, as we are heading to the province of Limón to help out with another camp.

Woof.