Updated, November 2008: After eighteen years of connecting internationally with other solo travelers, CSTN has, as of April 1 2008, embarked upon on a journey to connect in a more encompassing, less self-centered way.
We, who take for granted the privilege of travel, have seen and cannot deny the huge disparities that prevail between us and so many of our fellow citizens of the world. I doubt there are many among us who have not been thankful for our blessings and wished to do something to help. But what? There are, of course, dozens if not hundreds of charitable organizations whose aim is to do good in developing countries. Some, we have investigated and, in the past, we have raised funds for a few. But one organization – Kiva – stands out as a perfect fit for CSTN.
Kiva lets us lend to small entrepreneurs in developing countries, empowering them to lift themselves out of poverty.
1) Lenders like us browse profiles of entrepreneurs in need and choose someone to lend to using PayPal or a credit card.
2) Kiva's micro-finance partners distribute the loan funds to the selected entrepreneur. Often, Kiva partners also provide training and other assistance to maximize the entrepreneur's chances of success.
3) Over time, the entrepreneur repays the loan.
4) When lenders get their money back, they can re-lend to someone or withdraw their funds.
CSTN has always been about helping individuals fulfill their solo travel dreams. 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 fulfill their dreams of a better life. Individuals helping individuals help themselves. Perfect!
Now that I've earned my "enriched" pensionable years and don't have to worry so much about how the bills are going to get paid each month, I've decided CSTN should support the Kiva concept. From now on, 50 per cent of CSTN subscriptions will be lent to individual entrepreneurs via Kiva, and we'll keep a running report on how they are doing.
Adriano Frazqueri runs a tire shop and car wash in Ciudad del Este Paraguay. He wants to buy spare tires and inner tubes to add to his business. CSTN portion: $75.
Roberto Sevilla is a small farmer in Chinandega Nicaragua. He needs a loan for crop improvement. CSTN portion: $75.
Ibrahim Traore has opened a store to sell frozen products in the area of Agoé Zongo Togo. He needs a new freezer to store more products. CSTN portion: $75.
La Esperanza Group is comprised of 15 women who individually run small retail businesses in the city of Yaguaron Paraguay. They need capital to expand their operations. CSTN portion: $100.
Radjabqul Usupova lives in the Vahdat area of Tajikstan. From her home she buys and resells fabrics. She needs to increase supplies. CSTN portion: $100.
Martha Chavez sells children’s clothing from her home in Santa Catarina Mexico. She needs to increase her merchandise. CSTN portion: $125.