Life in the Field: Favorite Pics from Latin America and Kenya

November 13, 2015

By: Deena Tailo

Not only do Kiva fellows provide support for borrowers and Field Partners all over the world, but the images they capture provide a visual connection for all of us. Over the course of their fellowships thus far, our fellows have submitted some captivating photos and we're excited to share some of them with you. This week, we're highlighting images captured throughout Latin America and Kenya.

In the rural town of Pucará in northern Peru lives Avelino, a 62-year-old coffee farmer. As our fellow in Peru Gordon Thompson puts it: “there is something refreshingly "grounded" about him, and I realize that the reason he has trouble talking about dreams is that his are essentially the same as everyone's. Some of us chase dreams in business, or firefighting, or sales, or medicine, or teaching--he pursues them with coffee.” You can read more about Avelino here!

With the help of a Kiva loan, Esther was able to expand her farming business in Limuru, Kenya. She grows tea, maize, carrots, cabbages and then sells her harvest to markets in a nearby town. Fellow Alan Mathers told us that the profits from Esther’s business allow her to sustain a reliable income for her family and pay for her children’s education.

Kiva fellow Mark Eisenberg shared this photo of 18-year-old entrepreneur Wilson Fabian is paying back a Kiva loan that helped him invest in raw materials for his business making cement blocks in Ecuador. Despite his young age, he is determined to expand his company!

Our fellow in Kenya, Alan Mathers, shared great photos with us including this one of Sebeth and her family! Sebeth is a multi-faceted entrepreneur from Kenya who has built a range of businesses including dress making and agricultural projects. She works with Kiva’s Field Partner in Kenya, Hand in Hand Eastern Africa. This organization not only helps provide loans but also financial training to its clients. Sebeth’s hard work goes toward supporting her family including her four grandchildren.

In the Maya communities of Guatemala, weaving is integral to cultural tradition. One end of the textile being created is wrapped around the artisan’s waist with a belt and the other end is attached to a higher surface. The thread is dyed using different plants, vegetables, or even bugs to achieve the desired vibrant colors. Read more about this amazing and beautiful tradition on this blog post written by our fellow in Guatemala, Kelly Diggans.