A Kivawalk Update from Jonathon Stalls & his dog

It's been 7 months since Jonathon Stalls completed his incredible cross-country Kivawalk. His 3,030 mile journey inspired countless supporters across the country and reminded us to enjoy every step that life allows us. Although his Kivawalk adventure has come to an end, Jonathon continues to support Kiva and other causes in his Colorado community. In a special update below, we find out more about what Jonathon has been doing since the completion of his walk in November 2010.

Kivawalk - 7 Months Later
A journal entry:

Post Walk (April 2, 2011) – “I’m working hard to hold onto the ‘magic’ of on-foot travel. To be honest, I truly miss it. Some days I dream about running downstairs, throwing on the pack, leashing up Kanoa (my mixed-breed dog) and just going ...somewhere. Knowing that last year’s daily tasks were to get 15 miles further down the road, eat enough almonds, drink enough water and share the good news about a mission we believe in. This trip was life-changing and held such high ground mentally, emotionally, spiritually and of course physically… there is something so good about traveling this way. I carry a deep challenge in believing that we are truly built to process and better understand ourselves and our surroundings on-foot. I still work hard to maintain 2-4 mile walks throughout the week with an occasional 8-10 mile day around the city of Denver. I’m always so thankful in blocking out the time for it, as it helps me unwind and refresh for the week ahead. I also must add that Kanoa works very hard (via chewing and digging) to tell me with great frustration “this walking around the block stuff isn’t going to cut it pal!!”

This transition has also carried great color since finishing our 9 month walk across the USA. I have been able to visit my incredible sister, Tracy Stalls, who is playing professional volleyball in Ankara, Turkey and several friends and family in Kansas, Georgia and Costa Rica. I have also soaked up the familiar streets and mountain air here in Colorado. I continue to write and reflect on our experience and am getting numerous opportunities to share its contents to students, educators and various dreamers. My ‘professional’ track is continuing to evolve. My heart craves to hold onto a pace and lifestyle of simplicity while continuing to share and prioritize quality time with the people I share it with.

In the spirit of moving forward and putting food on the table my current activities and goals are wrapped up in: building a business plan for a community space committed to social interaction, designing program for various local/global walking initiatives and supporting a local (Denver, CO) community organizing group (Metro Organizations for People) in communications & operations.

Thanks to EVERYONE for all your continued support. Also, our KivaWalk lending team (link below) is still blossoming. I would love to support and post any unique stories or pictures of anyone wanting to throw a sign on a backpack and continue on-foot awareness for Kiva (in your neighborhood, town or city). We have a strong following on Facebook & Twitter and are anxious to fuel the momentum!

Get in touch and/or follow our journey at the links below:

Contact me personally at: kivawalk@gmail.com
Lending Team: www.kiva.org/team/kiva_walk
Walk across USA: www.kivawalk.com

A quick favor?? Would you join me as I strive to hold onto the following challenge: KEEP WALKING!!! …with myself, with my pup, with friends, with strangers and with the air and smells that surround my home or office. Our communities need it. I’m bold enough to say that many of us need it too. I know I do.

Cheers for now,
Jonathon & Kanoa

First Kiva Lending Team Reaches $4 million in Loans!

We are thrilled to announce that for the first time in Kiva-history, a Lending Team has reached $4 million in loans! Congratulations to the Atheists, Agnostics, Skeptics, Freethinkers, Secular Humanists, and the Non-Religious Lending Team for recently reaching this milestone.

The team consists of 15,578 Kiva Lenders who have made over 134,548 loans totaling $4,053,725 in total amount loaned.

We want to thank all of the team members!

To find out more about this team, click here. To start your own Lending Team, click here.

Join Women for Women International in Celebrating International Women's Day on the Bridge!

Date: March 08th, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Golden Gate Bridge and hundreds of Bridges around the world

Kiva Field Partner Women for Women International is collaborating with Google to present "Join me on the Bridge", an event in honor the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day! On March 8th, people around the world will come together in solidarity and stand on bridges around the world. We will be celebrating the achievements of generations of women before us while shining an international spotlight on the issues still facing women around the world.

Last year at the first ever global bridge campaign, more than 20,000 people joined Women for Women International on bridges across four continents. There have been great successes for women to celebrate: increased political representation, better economic situations, and legal protections in many nations around the world, but there is still much to do for women worldwide!

Come join us, on a bridge near you, and promote women! Click here to register for the event in San Francisco or in any participating location.

Since 1993, Women for Women International has been helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. In Bosnia, Women for Women (Zene za Zene) has partnered with Kiva to offer microloans to women who are striving for financial security. For more information about this award-winning organization, click here.

Reminder: Join Matt and Premal in New York to celebrate International Women's Day!

Date: March 08th, 2011

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: The Three Monkeys ( 236 West 54th (between Broadway and 8th Ave)

2nd Floor

Join Matt Flannery, CEO and Co-Founder of Kiva, and Premal Shah, President of Kiva, and the New York Lending Team as we celebrate the 100th Anniversay of International Women's Day. International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to inspire women and to honor their achievements.

As big supporters of women (81% of all loans made through Kiva go to women entrepreneurs), Kiva is coming to New York and wants to celebrate with you! Come enjoy a night of mingling and sharing stories about Kiva, microfinance, and international women's day. At 8 PM, Matt and Premal will share Kiva's latest accomplishments and their exciting plans for the future.

This event is open to all, and attendees will include Kiva New York Lending Team members, lenders from the New York area, and other members of the microfinance community. Please RSVP.

Any questions, comments, or concerns about this event? Contact the Kiva New York Lending Team.

For general Kiva questions, please contact us HERE.

Thank you for your continued support of Kiva and our lending team community!

Featured Volunteer - Editor Diane Bird

How did you find out about Kiva?

My son's boss gave his employees a gift certificate for a loan to Kiva and he made his first loan, one of many since then. He told me about it and I've loaned the same $25 many times now. I learned of the opportunity to edit through a Kiva newsletter.

Why did you choose to volunteer your time with Kiva?

When Obama was running for president, he encouraged the American people to volunteer, both at home and in the world community. I was inspired by that, and felt that editing for Kiva would be a satisfying way to get involved. I also make blankets for Project Linus, and was especially pleased when I learned the organization sent blankets to Chile and Haiti.

What is your favorite partner or region?

It is hard to say what a favorite might be. Perhaps FAULU-KENYA. Now that Kiva is bringing in more field partners, I'm always excited to be assigned loans from a new part of Kiva's world.

Tell us about a memorable profile you have encountered?

I am fascinated by Mongolia and how very cold it must be, yet they bundle up and go outside to take care of their animals. Also, the women around the world who do weaving and embroidery, which is painstaking work, are amazing to me and admirable.

Where is your favorite place in the world to travel?

When my husband was in the Navy, we lived in Japan for three years. I loved it there and would go back in a minute. We also visited Hong Kong, a wonderful city, and I would love to see more of China.

Tell us an unusual or surprising fact about yourself?

My husband and our four children were part of the "back-to-the-land" movement in the 70s. We "dropped out" of a way of life that was no longer meaningful to us and spent 25 years on 70 wooded acres with river frontage and an underground spring. We built a house and barns with a chainsaw and hammers, terraced a large garden and raised goats, pigs, cows, and chickens. We were never quite self-sufficient, but it was a time of our lives that we wouldn't change.

Photo provided by Diane Bird

Reminder: Kiva New York Lending Team 2nd Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser This Saturday, February 26th!

Join the Kiva New York Lending Team for the 2nd Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser!

Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: BottleRocket Wine & Spirit (5 West 19th St)

Help our Kiva New York Lending Team by joining other Kiva supporters for a few glasses of great wine! All proceeds will go towards the continued support of Kiva borrowers.

Last year this event helped start off the New York Team Fund, a non-withdrawable account on Kiva.org that has supported over 400 business owners to date.

For just $40, you will be able to sample 6 different wines from South Africa and Chile, twocountries that are currently supported by Kiva! All the wines offered are made available by BottleRocket, heralded by many as the friendliest and most knowledgeable wine store in the city.

Kiva's Partner Womens Development Businesses in South Africa has lent to over 60 entrepreneurs with $12,975 in total loans. Also Kiva's Partner Fondo Esperanza in Chile have lent to 1321 entrepreneurs with $294,050 in total loans.

Anyone interested in a fun night with other worldly and philanthropically-minded individuals should attend! Presentation of wines begins at 6:15pm with the Kiva New York Lending Team introducing itself, followed by a brief explanation of how Kiva works. The event will wrap up around 8pm.

Any questions, comments, or concerns about this event? Contact the Kiva New York Lending Team.

Thank you for your continued support of Kiva and our lending team community!

For general Kiva questions, please contact us here.

Two weeks left to help Kiva in the American Express Members Project!

In December we told you about an opportunity to help Kiva in a big way by voting weekly for us in the Amex Members Project. The Project has just two voting rounds left before the winners are announced. As we come down the homestretch in this competition, your last two votes hold great significance! The organization with the most votes will be awarded $200,000 for support of their cause.

If you have already voted for us in the past, be sure to login this week and next to place your vote! If you are placing your first vote for Kiva, no worries! Follow the steps below to register and vote. The whole process takes less than 2 minutes!

1. Visit http://www.takepart.com/membersproject/vote/

2. Click on the "Register to Vote"

3. Enter the required information (username, password, email, DOB) read & agree to the terms and proceed. You can also connect via your Facebook account.

4. Select Kiva from the list of participating organizations and click Vote Now!

5. Confirm your selection and your weekly vote is cast!

Thank you for your help with this and for your support of Kiva - just two weeks to go!

Support Kiva & your Super Bowl XLV Favorite!

Black & yellow? Green & yellow? Super Bowl XLV is upon us - who will be victorious? Show your team pride by joining the Steelers or Packers Lending Teams. Root for your team and support an entrepreneur all in one place!

Good luck to both teams!

For more information on how to start your own lending team click HERE.

Team Australia Reaches $1 Million In Loans!

Congratulations to the members and team captain of Kiva Lending Team Australia for recently passing $1 million in loans!

The Lending Team consists of 2,883 lenders who have made over $1,010,000 in total loans! A huge THANK YOU goes out to all the members of this team for their dedication and support of Kiva entrepreneurs.

To find out more about this team, click here. To start your own Lending Team, click here.

Will you be attending the 2011 Wine Tasting Fundraiser in New York City?

Join the Kiva New York Lending Team for the 2nd Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser!

Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: BottleRocket Wine & Spirit (5 West 19th St)

Help our Kiva New York Lending Team by joining other Kiva supporters for a few glasses of great wine! All proceeds will go towards the continued support of Kiva borrowers.

Last year this event helped start off the New York Team Fund, a non-withdrawable account on Kiva.org that has supported over 400 business owners to date.

For just $40, you will be able to sample 6 different wines from South Africa and Chile, two countries that are currently supported by Kiva! All the wines offered are made available by BottleRocket, heralded by many as the friendliest and most knowledgeable wine store in the city.

Kiva's Partner Womens Development Businesses in South Africa has lent to over 60 entrepreneurs with $12,975 in total loans. Also Kiva's Partner Fondo Esperanza in Chile have lent to 1321 entrepreneurs with $294,050 in total loans.

Anyone interested in a fun night with other worldly and philanthropically-minded individuals should attend! Presentation of wines begins at 6:15pm with the Kiva New York Lending Team introducing itself, followed by a brief explanation of how Kiva works. The event will wrap up around 8pm.

Any questions, comments, or concerns about this event? Contact the Kiva New York Lending Team.

Thank you for your continued support of Kiva and our lending team community!

For general Kiva questions, please contact us here.

Happy New Year to You!

As we reflect on the year that has past, we celebrate our achievements both small and large. In 2010, we introduced student loans to our site, had our 5th birthday, welcomed Jonathon Stalls and his KivaWalk to San Francisco, got an Oprah shout-out, received grants from the Omidyar Network, Sams Club, and Visa, and briefly had 100% of our loans fully-funded! We also added field partners in South Africa, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Nicaragua, Iraq, Rwanda, El Salvador, Honduras, the Congo, the DRC, and the US.

These and the many other events we have to happily remember are all part of Kiva's continued growth and quest to empower others. The milestones we reach are made possible only by the efforts we contribute together. We would like to send a big thank you to all of our lenders, volunteers, staff and supporters make this empowerment possible!

In 2011, we look forward to new and exciting growth! For the new year we hope you will continue to remember others in your daily life and through the funding of microloans.


Happy New Year from Kiva!

First Kiva Lending Team To Reach $3 million in Loans!

Congratulations to the members and team captain of Kiva Lending Team Atheists, Agnostics, Skeptics,Freethinkers, Secular Humanists and the Non-Religious . We are thrilled to announce that for the first time in Kiva-history, a lending team has reached $3 million in loans! Earlier this year Pete the team captain had set the goal of $3 million in loans by the end of 2010, great execution on reaching this milestone before the end of this year!

The Lending Team consists of 12,498 lenders, who have made over 98,715 loans! We want to thank all of the team members for their dedication and support of Kiva entrepreneurs!

To find out more about this team, please click here. To start your own Lending Team, click here.

An Update from Guest Blogger, Kiva Lender Bob Harris

Bob Harris, author, journalist, and Kiva lender since 2009, is traveling the world and writing a book about his experiences as a Kiva lender. Bob is also the Team Captain of the Friends of Bob Harris lending team which finished November in 7th place Kiva-wide in Amount Loaned -- and is currently up to 4th place for December, with over $3000 loaned already! Check out his blog! This post, written for Kiva and posted on his own blog, catalogs his thoughts and experiences in Kenya.




I’m writing from Nairobi after an amazing lap around Kenya for The 1st International Bank of Bob, my upcoming book for Bloomsbury about microfinance, my own Kiva lending experience, and my personal encounters with Kiva entrepreneurs and others all over the world. (So far, my own repayment rate is vanishingly close to 100 percent — after 2130 loans, I’m down all of $32.01.)


Much of my time here was spent visiting with officers and clients of Juhudi Kilimo, a microfinance lender that focuses on Kenya’s rural population. It was a privilege to join them as we drove to small towns and villages in the countryside, meeting farmers and families whose whole lives are transformed — just by buying a cow with Juhudi’s help (and if you’re a Kiva lender investing in Juhudi’s loans, your help as well).

Think of a cow as a dairy farmer’s capital equipment, and you’ll see why this is so powerful: Juhudi has figured out a way for small farmers to finance a top-end hybrid cow that produces more than twice as much milk than a local cow, and for the farmers to pay off the investment in just one year — so the cow produces nothing but income for the rest of its life. In the first year, farmers get milk for the market in the morning and milk for the family in the evening — so they’re feeding the kids as well as ever while paying off the cow — but thereafter they have income to invest in their homes, their farms, and their children’s education.

The kids were always the most fun to meet. They were almost always curious, friendly, and then playful like my own niece and nephew were at the same age. (The lone exceptions were a few little ones who were frankly petrified at the sight of a human being with my strange skin tone. I didn’t know until this trip that there were still places in the world where this was possible, but oh yes — as one little girl who is probably still cowering under her mother’s skirt made abundantly clear.)

The most inspiring group I’ve met was this group of deaf farmers from Bureti, way out west halfway to Uganda.

They not only face the predictable challenges of any group of rural poor trying to pull themselves up, but they’re doing it in a society where deaf people suffer far more obstacles than they do in America. But they’ve committed themselves to supporting each other — even putting it in writing in a simple but powerful statement of purpose they’ve all signed.

The grace and welcome that flowed from these people when this total stranger showed up was more moving than I can describe.

Communicating was surprisingly easy. As deaf folks, they’re extremely skilled at making hand signals and understanding those of others, and when words were necessary, I could mumble in English, Fred from Juhudi would translate into Swahili, and one of the members with some hearing would translate this into sign language. And then the answer would come back around the same way.

But words were rarely necessary. Sitting with these sweet folks in a small wooden home, the love and mutual care they are providing each other is something I will remember for the rest of my life. No exaggeration.

It may not seem like it, just pointing and clicking at Kiva.org, but you are sending more than a loan out into the world. For people like the Bureti group for the deaf, you are sending out love. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it.
I hope as you read this, you feel it, too.

Maybe you’ll even join my lending team and do some good right now.

Thanks!


And my profound thanks to the good people at the Nairobi, Murang’a, and Litein offices of Juhudi Kilimo. Your kindness will stay with me for as long as I live.


PS — When the Bureti group’s loan comes up on Kiva, I hope to post a heads-up on my site, because I want them to get financed in about twenty seconds. Thirty, tops. I hope you’ll join me in supporting them.







Photo Credit on All Photos to Bob Harris - Bob has permission from all persons photographed above to appear in various medias. (original post found at: http://www.bobharris.com/2010/10/jambo-from-kenya/)

Reminder: KivaWalk Homecoming Celebration This Saturday, November 13th!

235 days ago, Jonathon Stalls looked-out on the Atlantic Ocean off the Delaware coast. It was there that he embarked on what he named KivaWalk- a cross-country trek that he would make entirely on foot - all for the sake of raising money and spreading awareness for Kiva. This Saturday, November 13th, Jonathon will end his incredible journey as he reaches the Pacific Coast off San Francisco, and he wants you to join him! 

 His inspiring journey has raised nearly $450,000 for Kiva and touched the lives of passersby's and followers throughout the country. If you plan on visiting the Bay Area this weekend, please join us for a day of celebration for Jonathon and his KivaWalk!

All are invited to join as we welcome Jonathon to San Francisco this Saturday, November 13th. The Presidio Sports Basement will be hosting the group for refreshments and celebration. Jonathon will be there to share stories, answer questions, and talk more about this 3000 mile journey. The Sports Basement will offer 10% off all merchandise during the event and 10% of proceeds towards Kiva.

When: Saturday, November 13th from 3:00pm-6:00pm.
Where: Presidio Sports Basement, 610 Old Mason St,  San Francisco, CA 94129

Please join us on Saturday for this awesome opportunity to congratulate Jonathon Stalls on his cross-country achievement! RSVP here.

For more information on Jonathon's route, please click here.
For questions, contact Allie@kiva.org 

Follow @kivawalk on twitter and Facebook

KivaWalk News Coverage:

Capital Public Radio 

The Record-Courier

The Sacramento Bee

FunCheapSF

Napa Valley Register

**Disclaimer: Please note that the KivaWalk website is operated and monitored by Jonathon Stalls, and is independent of, and not affiliated with, Kiva Microfunds (“Kiva”), including its website (Kiva.org). Kiva and “Kiva Walk” are two separate and non-affiliated entities, and any transactions an individual may decide to make through or forKivaWalk or otherwise for Jonathan’s trek—whether financial or non-financial—would be solely for the benefit ofKivaWalk and would not be for the benefit of the Kiva organization.

Kiva Promotion Week at Nau!

All of us at Nau think Kiva’s business model is brilliant- from the lending to the story telling, to the concise and accurate mission statement. The unsurpassed growth of Kiva during the last 5 years is proof that people know a good thing when they see it. Like so many other donors, we’re committed to seeing Kiva continue this growth. For us, this means telling Kiva’s story to new audiences.

Our mission represents the collective values of the people working for and with the company. We apply our values to everything we do- from sustainability to labor practices and our belief that the private sector has a responsibility to support organizations doing humanitarian and environmental work. The health and well-being of our planet depends on it.

As an apparel company that sells online, one creative way we tell Kiva’s story to new audiences is through our online checkout process. 2% of all sales on nau.com go to five non-profit organizations; we call them our “Partners for Change”. Our customers take an extra step when purchasing online. Before they complete a transaction, they must stop, read, and learn about these organizations and choose the one to whom they would like to donate 2% of their sale. This small change in the online buying process brings Kiva in front of thousands of new people every year.

With the giving season right around the corner, we’re trying to find even more ways to introduce Kiva to new audiences. This week we’re spreading the word about our 10% giving promotion. From now through November 8th we’re giving 10% of all sales to our Partners for Change. For the Kiva audience, receive an additional 10% off your order by entering the promo code “KIVA”. And, if you want to help them raise an extra $500 this week, visit our Facebook page.

Nau is also a young company, so we can appreciate and truly admire what Kiva has accomplished in such a short amount of time. Are there ways that you can tell Kiva’s story– that aren’t so obvious – to your audiences that will help them continue to grow? If you want to brainstorm, we’re all ears: customercare@nau.com.

Partners for Change –http://www.nau.com/partners-for-change/

10% of all sales - http://www.nau.com/

Order your 2011 Kiva Calendar Today!

The 2011 Kiva Calendar is now available for pre-order!

For the fourth year in a row, the lending community at KivaFriends.org has come together to produce an annual calendar, featuring photos of Kiva entrepreneurs as well as quotes from Kiva Fellows. The calendar is being distributed by KivaStore.org, and is run by volunteers to help spread the word about Kiva.

The Kiva Calendar is available NOW for pre-order at a special price of 10 calendars for $20 (that's $2 per calendar). Single calendars will be available for $5 each (or 5-for$14) once the pre-order season ends in mid-November.

The Kiva Calendar has sold out in the past, so get your orders in early to make sure you get one! To order your calendar, please click here.

Update on Jonathon Stalls' KivaWalk Across America

Welcome to California, Jonathon!

With over 220 days on the road, more than 2,800 miles traveled, and less than three weeks until his final walk into San Francisco, Jonathon crossed the California/Nevada border last week on his KivaWalk adventure across the country.















Jonathon reaches San Francisco on Saturday, November 13th and we are inviting the entire Kiva Community in the Bay Area to join us for a mini "Kiva Walk" through the city before coming together for a homecoming celebration at the Presidio Sports Basement. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to someone who has committed nearly a year of his life to help spread Kiva's mission. He has gone above and beyond and is a wonderful example to us all!

The mini "Kiva Walk":

The San Francisco KivaWalk will start at 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 13th, at the Ferry Building (located at the intersection of Market Street and the Embarcadero). For those wishing to do a half-walk, you can meet Jonathon around 12:00pm at Ocean Beach off of the Great Highway (intersection of Fulton Street).


Walking space is limited, please email Jonathon Stalls at by Nov. 10th if you intend to participate. All are welcome to join us in celebration at Sports Basement at 3pm!

The Homecoming Celebration

The Homecoming Celebration will take place at the Presidio Sports Basement from 3:00pm - 6:00pm and all are welcome to join! Entrance is free and guests will receive a 10% discount on anything purchased at the store during our event, and an additional 10% of all purchases will be donated to Kiva!  

We hope to see you all there!











KivaWalk News Coverage:

Carbon County Sun Advocate
Utahoutside.com
Stray
The Daily Herald
Justmeans
The Columbus Dispatch
The Metropolitan Online
The Ely Times
Tahoe Daily Tribune

A new KivaWalk T-Shirt made by Channy Sokh Group at Ahkun.org can be purchased to show your support for Jonathon and his KivaWalk across the US. To view this shirt, please click here.

Also, check out the Kiva Walk Lending Team - they've already contributed over $47,000 in loans just in the month of October, putting them in 3rd place and ahead of teams who have well over 1,000 members!




**Disclaimer: Please note that the KivaWalk website is operated and monitored by Jonathon Stalls, and is independent of, and not affiliated with, Kiva Microfunds (“Kiva”), including its website (Kiva.org). Kiva and “Kiva Walk” are two separate and non-affiliated entities, and any transactions an individual may decide to make through or forKivaWalk or otherwise for Jonathan’s trek—whether financial or non-financial—would be solely for the benefit ofKivaWalk and would not be for the benefit of the Kiva organization.

Kiva Passport Series: Microfinance in Afghanistan

Check out our previous post about Afghanistan here

In a country where the average annual income of an individual is $1,490 (about $4/day) USD, one could only imagine the need for loans that an individual from Afghanistan would need to become a successful entrepreneur.

Ariana Financial Services, Joint Stock Company (AFS), began as a partner of Mercy Corps in May 2003 with help from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. While their early operations focused on District 7 in Kabul, they quickly began to spread throughout the country to help others in need of assistance. Since then, AFS has disbursed almost 55,000 loans totaling $18 million (as of May 2010). Following their vision to be a sustainable nationally recognized financial service institution whose activities are targeted towards reducing poverty in this war stricken country, AFS has been able to offer group and individual loans to both male and female clients throughout Kabul's 18 Districts as well as branching out into the Nengarhar and Mazar-e-Sharif provinces.

Rings of Hope, July 2009Herat, AfghanistanPhoto Credit: Jawid Habib

Photo Source: PROSPECT Journal UCSD

A woman by the name of Rohina Mohammad Husin requested a loan to repair her house so that she could live more comfortably. Rohina, her husband, and their four children live in the 15th district of Kabul. She requested a loan of 40,000 AFN, close to $886 USD--an amount to some that may seem so little, yet made such a great impact on this family of six.

As of April 2010, Rohina was able to get her loan completely funded by 16 Kiva lenders all over the world! They came from as far as Leverkusen, Germany and as close as Joshua Tree, CA. Rohina has been repaying her loan on time, with an expected full repayment by June 2011.

Flying Kites. August, 2005. Kabul, Afghanistan
Photo Credit: Jawid Habib
Photo Source: PROSPECT Journal UCSD

With many entrepreneurs realizing that the only way to fully succeed is to expand their business, many entrepreneurs are looking to Kiva to fund their requests for loans.

Qayis, the son of Payinda Mohammad, lives in District 1 of Kabul. As the oldest member of his family, he is responsible for bringing in a substantial income to cover all the necessities and pay for the family’s expenses. As the owner of a car parts shop, he is in need of increasing business by buying some more tools. Confident that a loan could increase his business, Qayis has requested a loan of 50,000 AFN, $1108 USD, to buy more tools. Luckily, 42 of Kiva's Lenders came together to fund Qayis' loan! Over the next 13 months, Qayis will be repaying his loan through AFS.

Agony Illuminated by Hope. July, 2009. Herat, Afghanistan
Photo Credit: Jawid Habib
Photo Source: PROSPECT Journal UCSD

Rohina and Qayis are just two of the amazing stories of individuals from Afghanistan who are succeeding with microloans. Check out Kiva’s Lend tab for the stories of more entrepreneurs in need of funding and become part of their success!

Masjid-e-Jammeh (The Friday Mosque). June, 2005. Herat, Afghanistan
Photo Credit: Jawid Habib
Photo Source: PROSPECT Journal UCSD