Notes from the Field: ProLiteracy/FINCA El Salvador Trip
ProLiteracy in El Salvador Lynn Curtis and I recently spent 10 days in El Salvador working on a pilot project with FINCA, a micro finance bank that provides poverty solutions through small business loans. This project, sponsored by the Citi Foundation, focuses on improving small businesses through literacy lessons, business coaching, networking among village bank members, and community action. With us were Dean Curtis, Lynn's brother, who led the business training part of our visit, and John Hatch, founder of FINCA, International. Forty-six leaders took part in the business training. They were excited to learn how to lead group discussions and problem solve with other village bank members. Instead of feeling depressed about the economy and lack of jobs, people started recognizing social problems in their communities that affect their businesses and families such as crime, gang violence, garbage/pollution, poor access to the main streets, and flooding. Immediately they started plan...