Updated July 2010: Latest Recipients | Loan Status
CSTN has always been about helping individuals fulfill their solo travel dreams. After twenty years of connecting internationally with the global tourism industry and with other solo travelers, CSTNers began thinking of their singular journeys in a more encompassing, less self-centered way.
We, who take for granted the privilege of travel, have seen and cannot deny the unequal standards of living that prevail throughout the world. I doubt there are many among us who have not been dismayed to see sights of extreme poverty and need in many places we visit. Thankful for our blessings, we've wished to do something to help ease such pitiful circumstances. But what? There are, of course, dozens if not hundreds of charitable organizations whose aim is to do good in developing countries. Some, CSTN has investigated and, in the past, has raised funds for a few.
Then, in 2008, I found an organization that stands out as a perfect fit for CSTN – Kiva.
Kiva is about inspiring and empowering individual dreamers one by one. Through a system of small, person-to-person loans, people who otherwise have no hope of getting credit, now have an opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty and fulfill their personal dreams. Individuals helping individuals help themselves. Perfect!
Since April 2008 CSTN has been lending 50 per cent of every subscription fee to individual entrepreneurs via Kiva. A report on funding is regularly updated as follows:
Jambalnyambuu Tsagaan is 52 years old and lives with her husband and two
children in Arhangai province, Mongolia. She and her family live in a ger,
the traditional Mongolian nomadic tent. Jambalnyambuu rents a counter at
a local trading center and has gained significant experience over the past
12 years selling vegetables. She started her business with a working capital
of 60,000 MNT, and with a lot of hard work and determination, she has managed
to increase her base and steadily expand her business. Eventually she hopes
to amass enough income to build a house for her family.
CSTN portion: $100.
Tusubira Women's Group consists of seven women who live in Lugazi Uganda.
Representative of this group is 45-year-old Sarah Kibilango, a widowed
mother of three. For the last four years, she has been selling plastic
products. She says she makes a profit of 100,000 shillings in a week, and
thus she has managed to establish a firm foothold for her business. She
needs the loan to restock with items like basins, jerry cans, and buckets.
CSTN portion: $100.
Osvaldo De Jesus Orozco Prada. In the San Salvador de Barranquilla neighborhood
of Bogota Columbia, everyone knows the Los Pajaritos [Little Birds] store.
Osvaldo's father started the business 30 years ago, selling food products,
sundry items, and cold drinks on weekends. Osvaldo has been in charge for
the last five years. He needs a loan to expand his product line.
CSTN portion:
$100.
Ms Soussi lives in Lebanon. She is married and has three children. Soussi
has been working as a seamstress from her house for 26 years and has established
a broad customer base. She needs a loan to purchase supplies.
CSTN portion: $100.
Drissa Sidibe, age 29, lives with his wife and child at his father's place
in Bougouni Mali. His business is mainly buying and selling various articles.
With five years' experience he is mastering his business but needs a loan
in order to purchase more goods.
CSTN portion: $100.
Chimgee Sanjaajav lives with her two children in Uvurhangai province in
central Mongolia. She operates a small café in her town. After years of
successful operation, she hopes to increase her working capital and open
a fast-food center in her town. Chimgee needs a loan to purchase kitchen
equipment, tools, and supplies for her new venture.
CSTN portion: $100.
Edoh Eklou is a young farmer living in Gapé-Akssikevé, Togo, and he is
the father of two children. He grows and markets corn and yams. He wishes
to expand his agriculture business and has requested a loan to help pay
for labor and to purchase fertilizers, which would allow him to grow more
product and thus increase revenue.
CSTN portion: $100.