New Field Partner: KosInvest brings opportunity to Kosovo's vulnerable post-conflict community

Join us in welcoming our newest Field Partner, KosInvest.

As the first institution to enter Serbian territory after the war -- and the only institution in Kosovo that provides financing to vulnerable Roma communities -- KosInvest will use funding from Kiva lenders to reach even more under-served borrowers in this fascinating region of the world.

Offering a range of loan products and enterprise development services, KosInvest is helping people in rural Kosovo create profitable business plans and improve their living conditions.

Formerly a division of World Fund, KosInvest has helped create 7,100 new jobs, and has positively impacted the lives of over 40,000 children. We have recognized the organization's stellar social performance by awarding it Vulnerable Group Focus and Family and Community Empowerment badges.

In addition to its post-conflict background, Kosovo has the lowest per capita income in Europe, averaging about $3,000 annually. Accordingly, Kiva recognizes a tremendous need and opportunity for training and expanding access to financial services to boost opportunity, morale, and economic activity for borrowers like Bekim.
A husband and father of three children, Bekim was displaced during the war. He has since returned home, and is working to build a transportation services business. Unable to afford to educate his kids due to prohibitively high fees, he hopes that a loan of $1,300 will help grow his business. His first plan of action: Send his kids to school.

For more information on KosInvest, check out its Field Partner profile.

Send any questions or comments about KosInvest or Kiva's involvement to blog@kiva.org.