Microlending in Nicaragua

It's unlikely that I will happen upon Alejandra Barrio's general store in Leon, but you can be sure I'll keep an eye out for it. A few months ago, through Kiva microlending, I made a small loan which, combined with other small loans, has made it possible for Alejandra to purchase " pan, galletas, gaseosas y refrescos" to stock her store. Her long term plan for the store is to offer her customers "everything for everybody" and to improve the quality of life for her family. At present, she has repaid 25 percent of her loan.

When I know that I am going to travel in a developing nation, I like to make these microloans (they can be as small as 25 dollars) to people in the country where I will travel. I've made half a dozen loans in Nicaragua with money paid back from loans to persons in Africa. It's a wonderful cycle in which money keeps circulating. And it doesn't take much to make a big difference.

Will I see Alberto Ruiz's taxi zipping around Managua? Will I see Martha Rivera selling clothes from her rented stall? Or Lidia Carballo in her fruit and vegetable stand (she has fully repaid her loan)? Or Gregorio Davila offering meats and dairy products from his new refrigeration unit? Will I see Silvia Gonzalez sitting on the newly constructed porch of her convenience store? Probably not. But I'll know that they are there, and it will please me to know that I have some small relationship with them. If I do happen upon any of these fine entrepreneurs, I'll see how they are doing, and I'll let you know.