A small member tour to Nicaragua in March led by John Pauls of MEDA member relations witnessed the progress of MiCredito clients and the dividends of hope that their donations and investments have made.

Emily and Bruce Burgetz of Toronto, ON, report:
"As members of MEDA, John invited us to be a part of a small tour group he wanted to put together to learn about the work in Nicaragua first hand. We’re glad he persuaded us to do so – it was certainly a unique experience."

"Among the many highlights of the learning tour was meeting a few of the loan clients and seeing them in their little stores in the crowded markets and hearing their happy testimony of the difference the small loans and the relationships with their loan officer make in their life."

"Our whole group enjoyed a wonderful seafood meal in one of the finest fine dining establishments I’ve been in. … We talked we laughed, we enjoyed each other and the lovely meal. And we knew that there is much that is wonderful and positive and possible in Nicaragua and that MEDA is playing an important role in helping others help themselves."

Emily Burgetz of Toronto, centre, visited the workshop of former MiCredito client, potter Felipe Gutierrez, in the traditional artisan village of San Juan del Oriente, where she found a one-of-a-kind pottery vase and watched Felipe do the final cleaning, polishing and signing of the piece for her.

Bev and Jane DeKay, London, ON, (pictured) note:
"We were absolutely so pleased with MiCredito's people. Going from office to office, we met an incredible group of people. MiCredito couldn't help but be successful with the people involved."

"We saw the rural areas and the parts of the cities with squatters, but we saw that they have the ability and desire to make it go. They have had to rebuild a lot since the tremendous earthquake of 1972 and hurricane in 1998*, but they are a very industrious people, as you can see from the markets. The poor people really want to get ahead."

"We attended our first MEDA convention many years ago, but this was our first trip with MEDA. We knew no-one on the tour except for tour leader John Pauls, but it was a fantastic group. I wouldn't say no to another MEDA trip!"

* The Great Managua Earthquake flattened the capital city, Managua, leaving 10,000 people dead and 300,000 homeless. Hurricane Mitch, 26 years later, took the lives of another 10,000, and left 1.5 million homeless.

Marty Friesen of Arborg, MB remarks:
"As an investor in Micredito, I wanted to know if the money my family had invested was actually making a difference.

"I went to Nicaragua with the simple objective of observing a financial institution that is making a positive impact in the lives of rural Nicaraguans living in economically challenging conditions.

"The positive impact I experienced exceeded all my expectations. As evidenced by MiCredito’s 99 per cent loan repayment rate, those who have access to capital have an opportunity to turn their dreams into reality.

"It takes a lot of effort to get a flywheel turning, but once it is turning, the momentum continues far into the future. What a difference a helping hand can make, especially when that helping hand allows a micro entrepreneur to get up and running."

In Leon, Marty Friesen met Julia, who started her store with a small table of merchandise in the town square. Through MiCredito, she acquired a small loan to expand her business. With that and subsequent loans, her thriving business has grown to over two hundred square feet. Every day, Julia hires workers to move her product to and from a warehouse. With her next MiCredito loan, she plans to buy a truck to store her inventory. With access to capital, Julia's life has improved: She has added a laundry room to her house and fix the roof so it does not leak in the rainy season. Now, Julia has hope that her child could now attend university.

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