Posted by shawn alexander on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 @ 06:35 AM
After getting a PhD in economics at Vanderbilt University, Muhammad Yunus returned to his newly independent country Bangladesh, to teach at a university. There was a famine in the country and Prof. Yunus stated, "the economic theories in my text book are very elegant, but they aren’t working in the village next to my campus. I am going to go into the village and learn economics from the villagers."
This young professor of economics was essentially having a spiritual crisis. With starving people virtually at the doorstep of his university, he wondered about the value of all the fancy theories he was teaching. He said he started to dread his own lectures and their intricate theories.
So in 1976, he went into the village next to his campus to see if he could be of use to even one person for one day. In the village of Jobra, Prof. Yunus met Sofia Khartum who made bamboo stools. She became his new teacher.
He asked her how much profit she made each day.
“Two cents” she replied.
He was shocked and asked why she only made two pennies profit for such a beautiful stool. She told him that she didn’t have the money to buy the bamboo so she borrowed the money from a trader, a money lender on the condition that she sell the finished product back to him, at a price he set. The moneylender’s price barely covered the cost of the bamboo, leaving her with a two-penny return on her hard work.
“If you could sell the stools to anyone, could you make more?” Prof. Yunus asked.
“I could,” she replied, “but I don’t have the money to buy the bamboo so I have to keep borrowing it from the money lender.”
Prof. Yunus, had a student go around the village to see who else borrowed from the moneylender. The student found 42 people who needed a grand total of $27 to free themselves from this debt trap, less than $1 each.
He lent the 42 people $27 from his pocket allowing them to pay off the money-lender, buy their raw materials, make their products and sell them to the highest bidder. Sofia Khartum’s profits soared from two cents a day to $1.25 a day. Those 42 people were the first borrowers of what became Grameen Bank, which means village bank. It now has more than 8 million borrowers, 97 percent of whom are women and it affects the lives of more than 40 million family members.
The revolution he promulgated is now replicated throughout the world, including Haiti.
Professor Mohammad Yunus was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, along with the Grameen Bank for creating economic and social development.
In Muhammad Yunus’ words, “eradication of poverty starts when people are able to control their own fates. It is not by creating jobs that we will save the poor, but rather by providing them with the opportunity to realize their potential.”
As an interesting aside, years later when he would be asked what his strategy was in forming Grameen Bank. Here’s how he would reply: “I didn’t have a strategy, I just kept doing what was next. But when I look back, my strategy was, whatever banks did, I did the opposite. If banks lent to the rich, I lent to the poor. If banks lent to men, I lent to women. If banks made large loans, I made small ones. If banks required collateral, my loans were collateral free. If banks required a lot of paperwork, my loans were illiterate friendly. If you had to go to the bank, my bank went to the village. Yes, that was my strategy. Whatever banks did, I did the opposite.”
Often rule-breaking, risk-taking and what is counter intuitive has exponential results!!
Posted by shawn alexander on Wed, Aug 25, 2010 @ 06:11 AM
Our meeting was on the sun drenched, quiet, peaceful and remote fields in Dezyen Plene, in a machete hewn tin roofed school house, profiled in earlier posts. Surrounding the structure are corn fields and mango trees. Chickens, mules, horses, and bulls were lulling about.
A gentle breeze waffed down from the hill, rustling the corn leaves and bringing cool relief to the meeting. Here our instructor was using role playing to illustrate how to negotiate for better pricing in the open market.
When the meeting was over, we provided our traditional snack of crackers and a "Kool-Aid" mixed drink. Just a small amount was left in our Igloo and I wanted to dump it so as not have it spill in our vehicle. Rosenie, our Director, said hold on, as one of the women wanted what very little remained.
Still catches me off guard, the value Haitians place on things, I so easily disregard or dismiss.
Posted by shawn alexander on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 @ 05:41 AM
With the days of extensive interviewing over and the selection process completed, all the novice members met to begin the formal steps of induction. So at 1:00 in the afternoon, 200 women gathered.
The intent was, to form mutual guarantee groups of 5-7 women, which they chose. They were to select women they trusted to make their loan repayments. They also elected a Group Leader, someone who can read and write, is honest and responsible. Lastly, they would give us their legal ID to scan and we would take their photo.
This day, however, would end up being a somewhat unusual.
Four events occurred:
First. Twenty minutes before we began, with about 100 women in attendance, one of the new members had an epileptic seizure. She was in the middle of our building on the ground, unfortunately convulsing. As one knows, a person in that state should not be touched, until they calm down. So, what 2 women did was constantly spray bottled water on her face to cool her down. She would lie there for 15 minutes. Two of her friends, then helped her up and walked her home. Thirty minutes later she came back. I always understood that after such an incident, one should rest and sleep to regain strength and quiet the body. Well 30 minutes was enough for her. We asked why she returned and her answer was straight forward. "Why not. I need the loan and couldn't miss this."
Second. A woman one hour earlier had broken her ankle and yet came to the meeting hobbling into the room with her severely swollen ankle and exhibiting substantial pain. No cast at this point (frankly, have not seen one in Haiti anyway). When it came time to form the groups, as the women clamored over each other to the benches for their group to be established, she nevertheless stood up and painfully began, oh, so slowly, to walk toward her group, when three women picked her up and carried her to her group's bench. Again, we inquired why she came when experiencing such pain? She replied, "I want this."
Third. It is mandatory, that the member be present at all meetings, when either receiving or paying back a loan. In this meeting, a woman's name was called but she had sent a proxy. The proxy stated, that 3 hours ago this specific woman's thirteen year old daughter had just died of a mouth disease and so could not be here but would still like to be in Fondespwa and so sent her representative with her ID. So in the midst of the worst experience a mother can go through, she still thought of the importance of this session.
Fourth. It is half way through the meeting and lots of activity is going on with the 200 women forming groups, when the noise level is elevated and 3 women are running back and forth in and out of our meeting tent. Loud sounds like screaming but the cacophony of noise in our tent somewhat muffles it. Someone finally comes up to us and says that one of the women who was here just gave birth, 30 yards from us. They took her and the baby, on of all things a Tap-tap, to a hospital. But it appeares, to these women, giving birth on the streets, under tents, wherever, is no big deal. She left instructions before she departed our meeting; the name of the group she selected and her ID to be scanned.
The physical durability and mental toughness of these women is pretty impressive!
Fast forward two days. We are in a Fondespwa group meeting and the woman, who had the child, comes forward to say hello and to let us know her baby is a boy and that she named him... Fondespwa!
Posted by shawn alexander on Sat, Aug 21, 2010 @ 06:38 AM
At 5 in the morning, the streets by the ocean are quiet but for the goats, chickens, dogs, cats, mules and pigs. These animals are truly ubiquitous. They will be found in the center of villages, churches, schools and in homes.
Also unforutnately, as prevelant, is the rubbish. One would hope to see pristene beaches, however, in Haiti, more often one sees plastic, clothes, paper, metal and so forth. Sadly, many of the beaches are filthy.
The fishermen are on the water at 4:30 to check or cast their nets from their dugout canoes. An organization donated 3 top tier motor boats to help the fishermen. These boats have not moved off the shore in the last year, because the fishermen cannot afford the gas. As is sadly often the case, assistance to developing countries is ineffective.
A majority of women in the early hours wash themselves and their families clothes in streams running into the ocean. Wherever one finds a river mouth, one will find a woman arranging her "washer" to suite her personal style.
The woman in this scene comes here every other day.
Posted by shawn alexander on Thu, Aug 19, 2010 @ 06:12 AM
There were approximately 270 women interested in becoming a member of Fondespwa. So over the course of 3 days, we interviewed them all.
The interviews, to which they were assigned specific times, ran each day from 8 to 12 and 1:30 to 5. The women were welcomed by a coordinator, who confirmed them from a master list which listed those that had attended at least 3 introductory seminars. They were then passed onto 1 of 4 interviewers, who asked about 20 questions. Basically, we acquired personal background information and a determination that the woman truly understood her contractural obligations. Also, this was an opportunity for each of them in a confidential manner to ask us questions about Fondespwa.
It was encouraging to note that the vast majority had a solid grasp of the contract especially, the mutual loan guarantee. The reasons they were interested in Fondespwa; it's low interest rate, savings program and an organization that they believed was trustworthy with those savings.
Of the 270, we whittled it down to about 200. We then asked them to come a couple days later with their legal ID and we would begin the loan process.
Posted by shawn alexander on Wed, Aug 18, 2010 @ 06:35 AM
All aspects of the party were organized by the Fondespwa staff. They decorated the facility with balloons, hung paper ornaments and signs. They made it as festive as possible.
As usual, there was plenty of robust singing and dancing with skits (which they really got into) and speeches interspersed. One skit showed, through a well attired woman, that if you want to get out of your poverty then get into Fondespwa. In another, the members dramatized that by being in Fondespwa you will learn to be a better price negotiator buying or selling. The woman who is not in Fondespwa will lose out on both ends. One skit pocked fun at Fondespwa, where a member finally had to sell her false teeth to a pawn broker to pay for her loan. By the way, she pulled out her false teeth as she said this.
A fairly young woman, did a monologue where she stated; women need to choose to be special because they are; they are the ones that bring joy to the family, they are the ones that bring forth life, they are the ones that keep the families together, they are the ones that are beautuful, they are the ones that God has blessed and will protect till they die. It was a good uplifting message, as that is one of the goals of Fondespwa, to foster self confidence.
A woman in her late 60s, read a letter that she had composed. She stated that many women before had businesses but did not know how to save money, now they do. "Our money is safe and it is growing. We now have a more secure future." She went on and on about the virtues of Fondespwa's savings plan. The mayor also gave a speech, thanking Fondespwa for the contribution it is making to the community.
To inspire others, gifts were handed out to members in each group who had put the most money into her savings account. The women were so touched, they had a photographer take a picture of them with their gifts.
I gave a speech which in summary said, Fondespwa is NOT an organization, it is a MOVEMENT, of women supporting each other in solidarity to become independent and powerful women leaders.
The party was then wrapped up with lots of food and drink.
The whole event went from 9 till 5 so it was certainly a full day. A day, with really good memories!
Posted by shawn alexander on Mon, Aug 16, 2010 @ 06:14 AM
At the start of the parade, the members sang the Haitian national anthem, then began their march singing the Fondespwa theme song, for the first time, as they made their way down the streets.
At the end point, they had hoisted a banner across the one highway that runs from the most western point of Haiti, to Port au Prince. It will stay there for months. The banner said:
Fondespwa
Investing in Women for the Future of Haiti
One Year Anniversary in Developing Independent Women Leaders
Come and Join Fondespwa as We Change the Society.
The leadership of Fondespwa wanted to write a song for the anniversary that represented their views of the organization. It will now be sung at every group meeting going forward. The music itself is also fairly lively.
This translation stays very close to the Creole.
Frankly, kind of powerful!
Fondespwa is the mind for all women
Which decide to walk in unity.
Who put all their strength together
So they can come out of poverty.
With the grace of God and the minds of the people
The women of Haiti will have another vision
For them to work with faith
For the changing of the nation.
Never say we can't.
After God, it's women that give life.
We can give our country another life
If we decide to work!
Let's hold hands with Fondespwa
So this big vision can become even bigger,
So that Fondespwa can become hope
For all women in the land of Haiti.
Posted by shawn alexander on Sun, Aug 15, 2010 @ 05:59 AM
The first members to arrive for the parade came from Dezyem Plen 45 minutes away, in an open half-ton truck under the intense sun. They paid for the trip themselves. Just wanted to be here.
In preparation, each Group Leader was presented a banner to wear identifying the group she leads and they wore them proudly while their group members sat patiently in the shade under a mango tree, in 90 degree heat. Even in this heat, many of the women still wore gowns, because to them, this was a special occasion. Oh ya, our Muffin Lady is here of course, doing what she always does!
Placards, were then given to each group with their group's name so they could walk together in group solidarity. Haitian women are proud to visibly show they are members of certain organizations. They're quite bold in fact. For example, often we do not want to do ID cards (like a driver’s license,) because of the significant extra administrative effort but we have found it is of value to them, so we do it. They like wearing it on their blouses and flashing it in the marketplace.
Quite interesting, that these women are genuinely excited to parade through the town in some of their best attire, showing to the community, the organization with which they have been affiliated over the last year.
Posted by shawn alexander on Sat, Aug 14, 2010 @ 09:32 AM
The women decided to have a rehearsal, so the party would be a success. Surprising, that the members would even want to do that, but they appear to take this all pretty seriously.
A good number turned out and they even had arranged for a band to accompany them. They learned a few new songs, while being led by a pretty energetic choir director.
This was followed by a few skits. In prior, posts there was often mentioned a member who sold baked goods from a plastic container. She is here again, our Muffin Lady and as usual made a few sales. Just does not miss an opportunity!
The skits ran about 10 minutes each, with lots of improvising but it all seemed to come together. The women were having a blast.
Posted by shawn alexander on Mon, Aug 09, 2010 @ 12:32 PM
Returned yesterday to Haiti with anticipation of a fairly busy next couple of weeks. We will be interviewing a new cadre of women interested in becoming members of Fondespwa, then establishing their groups plus the necessary paper work (passbooks, contracts, ID cards, etc).
On the flight, had an interesting conversation with a Haitian Canadian who was flying with his rock band for a 10 day tour of the country. He was born in Haiti and for the last 15 years has lived in Montreal. He goes back to Haiti a few times each year and therefore has a fairly good handle on what is going on.
It is possible, he said, to make money (which was a surprise to me) on a tour throughout the country because some people do have money and will support a band. Also the Haitians very much look forward to them and other bands coming to their country (currently there are 9 US bands in Haiti) as the young people have nothing to do and so this is a welcome distraction.
He also stated that where Fondespwa is working is a poorer region so his band would not play in that area.
In summary, he is discouraged with the state of his country. Since 1980, he believes it has gone backward economically and politically and since the earthquake 7 months ago it is now much much worse. He noted that none of the hundreds of millions of dollars in relief efforts has really been felt by the people he knows and also from what he sees.
The saddest part of our conversation, he so much wants to return to his country as it has such a "pull" on him, but he just could not make a resonable living and the basics of reliable electricity, healthy food or a good house are not really possible. He wants to make a difference by helping the country become better but just does not know where to start. He believes fundamentally that Haiti will take many decades before there is much noticeable improvement.
However, he believes that something like Fondespwa is "fantastic"!!!
Each time one arrives in Haiti the oppressive heat is immediately evident. It begins when you go through customs where there is no air conditioning and the same where you claim your baggage. So the 99 degrees, you feel. By the time you have found your luggage amoungst the horde of people your shirt and face are dripping with sweat. After a 45 minute search. I found out my bags did not make the connection.
I then took a 90 minute taxi drive in a non air conditioned SUV in slowly moving traffic through Port au Prince. This was followed by a shower at 2 in the afteroon in very warm water as it comes from the roof and it had all day to heat up. I dried off, put on the same sweat drenged clothes and then sprayed on mosquito repellent.
Yup, the wimp has arrived!
We had our last introductory meeting of 3 in the late afternoon, for those potential new members. Two hundred and sixty-nine (269), were in attendance for either their second or third meeting. We will begin to interview them on Wednesday and will be done late Friday. So those 3 days will be fairly hectic.
Tomorrow is the celebration of our first year as an organization. Banners and signs have been made, gifts have been bought for those that have put the most into their savings account and the cooking has started. There will be a parade first thing in the morning, with the Fondespwa members holding signs of the name of their respective groups, beginning in the center of town to the location where we have our biweekly meetings. As they walk they will all be singing a song that Maestro (our controller and choir director) wrote solely for Fondespwa, as our theme song. It is all pretty cool.