Hola Kivans,
My time in Peru is ending and after listening to so many inspiring stories throughout this beautiful country the last two months, I can’t help but want to share with you some of the insights I’ve personally learned.
If you’re wondering, “Who is she?” My name is Idania Ramirez and I’m a Kiva Media Fellow who is traveling throughout Latin America to capture the stories of the people YOU are helping, with the goal of transmitting the immense impact that is being generated.
During these last two months in Peru, you helped me gain a new perspective on humanity. I saw the pain in people’s eyes as they re-lived some of their most difficult experiences during interviews, and I witnessed how their strength overcame those memories.
I felt the warm humbleness of many and connected with most, regardless of the differences we have in our cultures, simply because we are all human. There’s this comfortable feeling knowing that we’re all trying to get ahead in life. And an even stronger admiration for the tenacity and determination that many have to do so, despite their circumstances.
You see, there aren’t many opportunities in Latin America like there may be in other parts of the world. In fact, in Peru, in 2017, 21.7% lived below the poverty line. That means that more than 6.9 million people were making approximately $102 USD (S/ 338) a month.
Those considered to be in extreme poverty made approximately $55 USD (S/ 183) a month. 44% of them reported being from rural areas, some of which I had the privilege to visit. While I saw first hand how they face various barriers like having the closest bank towns away with limited access to transportation, so many prevailed.
Our borrowers refuse to let the lack of opportunity conquer their lives and as a consequence decide to embark on a business venture -- how admirable!
Giving these amazing people the opportunity to have financial access through a Kiva loan not only helps them achieve their financial goals, but it also empowers them to keep going, just like it did to Jarver Trujillo.
“Kiva has impacted the nuclear family directly, which allows my family and the families of many cacao producers, be able to go to school and have a better social stance or a better life away from the days when one produced coca,” says Jorge, a borrower with Cacao de Aroma in Tocache, Peru.
Through Jarver’s story and the ones of many other borrowers I visited in Peru, I was able to see Kiva’s well-rounded business model serve its mission: expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive, something very beautiful to witness.
There are so many hardworking and determined people in the world that can and are overcoming barriers and succeeding with your help. YOU, our lenders, are generating this change, and we thank you!
I motivate you to share this impact with your family and friends and have them join you by also giving a loan.
Remember that you can lend as little at $25 USD. And trust me, it goes a long way.
P.S. I’ll be heading to Colombia this week and look forward to sharing more insights with you soon!
Saludos!
Idania Ramirez
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