For several years Baymonte’s elementary classes have supported Kiva, which is a non-profit organization with a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive. This organization allows us to lend money via the internet to low-income entrepreneurs and students in 77 countries across the globe. We have contributed several years’ worth of bake sale proceeds totaling $3,555.00 to Kiva. They work with the entrepreneurs to pay back the loans over time. Through this process of loaning, collecting and re-loaning, Baymonte has lent out a total of $15,675 and have helped numerous financially underserved people thrive. Below are some of the families we’ve partnered with.
Sanita’s story:
Sanita (age 52) is a mother of four in Fiji, works hard to provide for them and ensure that all children pursue their dreams. Sanita has a road side market where she sells root crops, fruits and vegetables. Sanita was in need of a loan to build a proper housing to protect her goods from all weather conditions and allow the business to operate daily. The loan Baymonte helped fund allowed Sanita to properly rebuild her market shed.
This loan supports financially marginalized women in Fiji with credit to help them establish businesses and improve their livelihoods. The program also provides financial literacy training to help borrowers better understand their income and expenses, and also offers market-specific guidance throughout the loan period.
Cruz’s story:
Cruz is 75 years old and never had the opportunity to attend school. He learned to read and write through a literacy program. He is married, and his wife works in the home. They have four adult children who are working. Cruz works raising chickens, ducks, and turkeys, his parents taught him this line of work. He takes care of the animals at his home and he works from 6am to 6pm.
He was in need of a loan in order to buy construction materials to build a corral for raising and selling his livestock. Baymonte was able to loan Cruz a $650, 20-month loan to use for this need. He has already paid back the loan in full. The program also gave Cruz technical assistance and taught him information on sustainable environmental practices.