Grameen Foundation : Resource Center : Print Newsletter : Summer 2004 : Haitian Heroes Keep Their MFI Safe
Haitian Heroes Keep Their MFI Safe
Earlier this year, Haiti--the poorest and most densely populated country in the western hemisphere--was torn by violent civil unrest. As armed rebels burned and looted businesses across the country, the fragile threads holding together the nation’s economy became even more tenuous.
Amid the turmoil, three micro-entrepreneurs made it their mission to protect the local branch office of GFUSA partner Fonkoze, a microfinance institution that had given them tiny business loans. Putting their lives on the line, they reasoned with the rebels, explaining that Fonkoze was their asset, and monitored the office day and night to prevent damage. Their heroic efforts inspired Fonkoze staff members to do all they could to keep the bank operating, despite the surrounding chaos.
Clearly, microfinance is more than a quick source of small loans for the people whose lives are changed. It is part of their hope for tomorrow.
Grameen Foundation : Resource Center : Print Newsletter : Summer 2004 : Haitian Heroes Keep Their MFI Safe
Grameen Foundation uses microfinance and innovative technology to fight global poverty and bring opportunities to the world's poorest people. With tiny loans and financial services, we help the poor, mostly women, start businesses and escape poverty. Our global network of 55 microfinance institution (MFI) partners including our Growth Guarantee partners has touched more than 34 million people in 24 countries. In addition, we introduced and now sustain technology initiatives (Mifos and Village Phone) in Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, bringing our total country outreach to 28.
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