Our Latest KIVA Microfinance Loans: Kyrgyzstan, Philippines and Rwanda

Since joining Kiva a few years ago, certain trends and rules of thumb have arisen as to why we lend to particular individuals and groups.

When we make our loans each month, we look to do the following:
- Make a loan “close to home” (in the Asia/Pacific region)
- Make a loan to an African cause.
- Make a loan out of sentiment.
- Support women and children.
- Support education.

In the latest selection, we chose Kyrgyzstan because, whilst being involved in the war in Afghanistan in 2002, I spent many months in Kyrgzystan. I hold the country with great affection, and the added political troubles that have bubbled over in the country this year (they were always there, by the way), makes the need for the loans greater. Our African and Philippine choices covered a few bases – the need to support women, the locale, and the importance of encouraging education.

As always, the causes we choose are not made because they are more deserving than others – we’ve gradually been able to separate our desperate want “not to judge” with the reality that we can’t help everyone. In saying that, there’s a Talmudic quotation (you may have heard it in the movie, Schindler’s List): “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire”. That seems a pretty good rule to work by.

So, here’s more information on our latest donations. Don’t forget that you can sign up to donate through Kiva – make small loans and take an interest in what’s happening around the world:

Loan To: Lisa Jalandoni
Location: Sto Niño, South Cotabato, Philippines
Activity: Farming
Loan Use: to purchase fertilizers such as manure

Lisa is is 34 years old, single and loves helping her family. Lisa owns and operates a farming business, planting and harvesting rice for sale. Lisa has been engaged in her business for over 5 years and earns approximately 5,000 PHP a month from it.

Lisa joined CEVI to gain access to financial services to help improve her living situation and ability to engage in business activities. Lisa has successfully repaid a previous loan from CEVI. She is requesting a new loan of 20,000 PHP which will be used to purchase fertilizers such as manure. This will be the tenth loan taken out by Lisa from CEVI. She plans to use the additional revenue generated from the business to financially support her family.

Loan To: C4561 Twuzuzanye Group
Location: Kimironko Hategekimana, Rwanda
Activity: Clothing Sales
Loan Use: To expand her business

Eugenie is 43 years old and married with three children. The first child is 20 years old, the next is 15 and the last is 11 years old. Eugenie takes care of one dependent who is 10 years. Eugenie owns a small business selling various styles of clothes. Eugenie has enough experience in this field because this is her fifth year of experience. The hours of her shop are from 8 in the morning to 7 in the evening every day except one day in the week. Eugenie is group leader of her group, which is called TWUZUZANYE in the local language. This group contains 11 members with different businesses.

Now, Eugenie and her group are requesting a loan from Kiva lenders via Vision Finance Company in order to expand their business through purchasing more products for their business. With this loan, Eugenie and her group will be able to satisfy their customers, which will be one of the ways of earning more profits.

Loan To: Ainura Kochorbaeva’s Group
Location: Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan
Activity: Personal Education Expenses
Loan Use: To pay for her daughter’s education at university

Ainura Kochorbaeva is the leader of this group. She is 51 and married. She has raised two daughters and a son. The first daughter is married and lives separately with her family, the second is a student and the son works as a teacher. Ainura also works as a teacher at the same school. Her husband has been engaged in cattle breeding since 1995, after the collective farms broke up. Ainura applied for this loan because she needs money to pay for her second daughter’s education at university.

Nuruiza Mukambetova, 51, is married. She has two daughters and a son. The first daughter studies at university, the second is at school and the son is preschool age – under 7. Nuruiza and her husband have been engaged in cattle breeding since 1995. By selling some cattle, they were able to repair their house and purchase a tractor. Now Nuruiza hopes to obtain this loan because she needs money to pay for her daughter’s medical treatment. In the future, Nuruiza wants to see her daughters get married.

Aigul Tokoeva is the treasurer of the group. She is 49 and married. She has raised five sons: the three older ones are working, the fourth son is in the army and the youngest one studies at school. With money received from this loan, Aigul wants to pay for her son’s education at university. In the future, she wants to purchase a house in Bishkek.

Sveta Beishekeeva, 43, is a widow. She has two daughters and a son. The older daughter and the son are at school and the younger daughter is not yet school age. Sveta hopes to obtain this loan because she needs money to cover the family’s expenses.

Loan To: Obidohon Juraeva’s Group
Location: Aravan, Kyrgyzstan
Activity: Cattle
Loan Use: to purchase a cow

When a person works every day, he gains very valuable traits. First, he becomes patient and prudent. Sweat spilled and effort expended imparts thrift and respect for work as a whole. For this reason, even during times of unemployment and economic decline, the heroes of our story once again show that hardworking people always find work.

Obidohon Juraeva is the leader of this group. She is sixty years old, and after her husband’s death she was left with two children. Fortunately, her children have grown up, married, and now there are even grandsons to help Obidohon with her business. Obidohon works raising cattle and cultivating cotton. Her elder son is thirty-nine, and her younger son is thirty. Both of her sons have left to work in the Russian Federation. However, they left only when they were convinced that the grandsons could look after their grandmother and take care of the household. Obidohon has been working in animal husbandry for twenty-five years. Earlier, Obidohon only grew cotton. However, through Obidohon’s diligence and hard work, she produced enough cotton to allow her to buy livestock and begin to raise cattle. She has managed to marry off her sons and is already thinking about celebrating the weddings of her grandsons. Obidohon is asking for a loan to buy a cow.

Simon Turner

Keep a Child Alive and the New York Walk for AIDS 2010

There are some people that you meet throughout life that just astound you by their selfless commitment to helping others.

A good friend of ours, Ian Jobson, is just one of those. Every year the Welsh born, Australian that now lives in New York resident participates in the New York Walk for AIDS.

This year, his proceeds will go towards Keep A Child Alive, an international charity which helps provide life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, care and support services to children and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India by directly engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS.

“I try to be active on many issues where people’s basic human rights are not equal, but nothing is as important to me as this campaign,” Jopson said.

“This is something that directly improves the quality of the lives of hundreds of people.”

Every little helps, so please sponsor Ian by CLICKING HERE

You can also find out more information on Keep A Child Alive HERE

We thank Ian for his ongoing commitment and efforts and wish him all the best.

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Real Estate News: Nov 17, 2009 Marquette Turner Luxury Homes eMagazine

Hi Welcome to the latest MTLH eMagazine. In this edition there’s some award winning homes, the soon-to-be 2nd tallest building in the world, results of a recent property investment survey, as well as articles on the ZeroEdge Aquarium, a Avocado, Mango and Walnut Salad, plus the results of our Foxtel Lap effort. We trust the week is going well for you. All the best, Michael Marquette & Simon Turner. “Whatever begins in anger, ends in shame.” - Ben Franklin AUCTION Maroochy River, Queensland Award-winning, Balinese-style home with Pacific Ocean views. ARCHITECTURE Digital Media City Tower in Seoul In a few years this stunning beacon in South Korea will become the World’s 2nd tallest building. INTERIOR DESIGN The ZeroEdge Aquarium The fish tank borrows from infinity-edge swimming pools. GOOD CAUSE The Foxtel Lap Completed The Marquette Turner team passed the magic 1000 laps in the run in aid of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. REAL ESTATE RADAR Is Now a Good Time to Buy Real Estate? A recent survey by Citibank suggests it is. RECIPE Avocado, Mango & Walnut Salad A wonderful light and healthy meal. LUXURY HOME Queenstown, New Zealand Award winning home that must be seen to be appreciated. PREVIOUS eMAGAZINE MTLH eMag: In this issue there’s an award winning villa in Thailand, a spiral wine cellar, the modern pre-fab home, Foxtel Lap update and much more. Thanks for joining us! Michael Marquette & Simon Turner Read all these articles and many more at: Contact Us Australia: 1300 737 778 International: +61 2 9238 6673 Email: info@marquetteturner.com.au

NOVEMBER 17, 2009 Subscribe Featured Homes Yamba, Australia Manhattan, USA Orange, Australia Phuket, Thailand Otago, New Zealand Marsascala, Malta Airlie Beach, Australia Crete, Greece Koh Samui, Thailand Connect with Us eMag to Go

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GOOD CAUSE: The Marquette Turner Team Passes the Magic 1000 Foxtel Laps

Michael Marquette on +61 433 170 170

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GOOD CAUSE: OzHarvest and the One Million Meals Campaign

Christine Watson of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes writes:

Each day Australia’s greatest cooks are not just playing Chef. They are also feeding the hungry and homeless.

Ever wondered what happens to the left overs and excess food from restaurants, retailers, food outlets and corporate kitchens? Previously the thousands of kilograms of food was dumped and turned into landfill.

Not any more. OzHarvest is a not-for-profit oganisation and has found a way to save the foods to feed the communities at risk. Established in November 2004, with one van, OzHarvest rescues the excess food from these venues across Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong. Each month, OzHarvest’s fleet of vans delivers around 100,000 meals to over 150 charities.

How can you help? Simply SMS FOOD to 1991 1121 and your $3.50 donation will help OzHarvest raise $1 million by July 2010 so they can distribute one million more meals.

www.ozharvest.org

Christine Watson

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Luxury Real Estate 23 Sep 09 – Marquette Turner Luxury Homes eMagazine

This eMagazine is delivered from Los Angeles (the airport no less!). Following on from the Luxury Real Estate Conference in Vail, Colorado we’ve traveled through Arizona, Nevada, Utah, California and Washington. We’ve met up with many clients and friends and have had a very successful trip. We’re looking forward to arriving back in Australia and are of course looking forward to our next trip to the US. Michael Marquette & Simon Turner. “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” ~St. Augustine LUXURY RESORT Luxury Eco-Resort in Couran Cove, Queensland WISE GUY Success – The Power of Getting to Know People TRAVEL Frequent Flyer – Which Airline was the Best? RECIPE Champagne Prawn Risotto GREEN How to Save Energy at Home GOOD CAUSE The Foxtel Lap for Children RECIPE Crab & Salmon Pate AWARD WINNERS Marquette Turner Wins Luxury Award AUCTION THIS WEEKEND Maroochy River, Queensland, Australia Showcase Magazine – September 2009 “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” ~Lin Yutang Thanks for joining us! Michael Marquette & Simon Turner Read all these stories and many more at: Contact Us Local: 1300 737 778Intl: +61 2 9004 7246 info@marquetteturner.com.au

SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 SUBSCRIBE Connect with us Featured Homes Scotts Head, NSW Coffs Coast, NSW Grafton, NSW Sydney, NSW Nurai Island, UAE Coffs Harbour, NSW Florida, USA Nambucca Heads, NSW Port Vila, Vanuatu WANTED! We’re Searching for these Properties… Luxury Homes Australia View our Luxury Homes for sale in NSW, QLD, VIC & SA International View the Luxury Homes we have for sale throughout the world.

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GOOD CAUSE: The Foxtel Lap for the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

The annual Corporate Treadmill Challenge is a fantastic “fun run or walk” raising funds for the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. This year the Institute is hoping to raise in excess of $800,000 for research into diabetes, asthma, premature births and mental health problems affecting our children.

A very simple concept – the challenge is to be undertaken on 1 day, for 10 hours with a 20 people tag team – running or walking on a treadmill for 30 minutes. Each corporate team has its own treadmill located in major city venues. The event starts on Friday 25^th September in Forrest Place, Perth and then moves weekly to our major cities at a prominent venue in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and finishing in Martin Place, Sydney on 13^th November.

Each participant within the corporate team seeks sponsorship and or donations from friends, family, clients and co-workers. Foxtel are the organisers of this fabulous event and if you are interested in having your company participate, the benefits, apart from the team building and health aspects of the challenge, are great media coverage throughout the country and most importantly you are working towards finding ways to help our kids live a better life.

Come on Aussies, put you runners on and get going. Hope to see you there.

To register go to http://www.foxtellap.com.au

Christine Watson on +61 414 352 680

GOOD CAUSE: National Meals on Wheels Day

Each year, the last Wednesday of August is National Meals on Wheels Day – a day to promote and raise the awareness of this amazing service and recognise the benefits to our communities.

Over the years my family have had lots to do with Meals on Wheels. Every Monday morning, my Mum heads off to her local Meals on Wheels kitchen. She is there by 6am and usually finishes by around 1pm. She has been a volunteer for a number of years and now manages the kitchen.   My Mum can be a bit of a toughy, and has clamped down on some of the volunteers helping themselves to food, supposedly left overs! At 76 Mum is amazing for her age. She has traveled to many parts of the world bushwalking. She is extremely fit and healthy and very happy to give her time, because she can.

Meals on Wheels were wonderful for my Nanna. She passed away at the age of 94 and until her last few days, lived in her own home. Like my Mum, she was a prolific gardener. Her garden was her life. Meals on Wheels visited my Nan a couple of times a week. Cooking was not something my Nan enjoyed it was easier to not eat at all. The meals she received kept her on track and the volunteers who delivered the food were usually treated to a cup of tea, a bunch of Sweet Peas and a nice chat.

It is vital for the frail, elderly, disabled and carers to maintain their independence. Meals on Wheels give these people just that.

Meals on Wheels is a non profit organization, and located throughout the world. Thank you to all who volunteer their services to this fabulous cause.

FACT SHEET PDF

INFORMATION PACKAGE  

Christine Watson

Good Cause: World Vision

While sitting at my desk last week I was touched by the emotion Michael Marquette displayed whilst reading a letter received from World Vision.

For many years Michael has supported Jemima from Tanzania. Regularly he has received letters and cards from her, which have always had a recent photograph of her. Over the years, Michael has always displayed her photograph on his desk and shared her stories of her growing up in her village.

The letter received told Michael how his support had helped her community develop the confidence, skills and experience to continue building on its self-reliance. The letter also stated how enrollments had increased for children going from primary to secondary school, the HIV and AIDS awareness campaigns increased the children’s knowledge about the virus and its prevention, two new health clinics had been built, malnutrition levels were on the decline, the training of farmers to manage agricultural yields had been successful and women had learned how to manage goat herds and chickens.

Jemima has reached her achievements and is now leaving the World Vision program. World Vision attached a card for Michael to sign wishing her well. The card read: “Dear Jemima, I’ve enjoyed being your sponsor and supporting you through the challenges you and your family have faced so well. Even though we must say farewell, always remember how special you are. I wish you good health and happiness.” The message was also written in her own language.

When one door closes, another always opens. Michael has sadly said farewell to Jemima, but has said hello to Hamisi, also from Tanzania. He was born in May 2003, does not attend school and lives with family. He has no parents or siblings. His journey with Michael Marquette and World Vision has just begun.

World Vision is a remarkable organisation, set up to assist children who struggle to survive in their community.

Can you sponsor an underprivileged child? Visit their website: http://www.worldvision.org/

Christine Watson

Good Cause: The Sydney City to Surf Fun Run

The Sydney City to Surf – The World’s Biggest Fun Run

The streets of Sydney took on a whole new look on Sunday 9^th August. We had 75,000 people competing in the 14km race, starting from Hyde Park in the city through to beautiful Bondi Beach. Did I mention to get to Bondi Beach, part of the run included “Heartbreak Hill”. And it is just that – a total heartbreak if you don’t make it to the top!

The City to Surf is the largest run in the world and has been an annual event for 39 years. An internal memo with a newspaper clipping sent to the then editor of The Sun Newspaper in 1970 from a Fairfax correspondent about the San Francisco Bay to Breakers run was the inspiration for the event. The race started in 1971, albeit with only 2,000 entrants and only 20 of those runners were woman. In excess of 1.2 million people have entered this amazing community event over the years.

Initially, line honors went overseas to American Kenny Moore and have done so a number of times since its inception. Our Australian winners have included people such as Robert de Castella, Steve Moneghetti, Andrew Lloyd, Heather Turlan, Susie Power and Kerryn McCann – a Who’s Who of Australian Runners.

Each year competitors select a category they compete in. Families, individuals, groups, with or without costumes, best dressed, teams and individuals running for charity. This year there were 397 charities represented by competitors.

As a community event it is one of the biggest and best. All runners receive a certificate stating their run time, winners receive trophies and everyone receives plenty of press coverage not to mention the encouragement of the crowd.

This year the weather was perfect (in fact, not a single event has seen rain thus far), the city shone and Bondi Beach was spectacular. Congratulations to the winner Michael Shelley, a 25 year old student from the Gold Coast in a time of 41.02 (the record, incidentally, was set by Steve Moneghetti in 1991 with a time of 40.03).

Maybe next year the Marquette Turner Luxury Homes team will walk the event and hopefully get past the Golden Sheaf Hotel!!

Christine Watson

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