By Paige Klunk
This past
summer, I interned with Zidisha in Dakar, Senegal, as a Senegal Ambassador.
Zidisha Inc is an American non-profit microfinance organization, offering
small-business loans via the internet in nine countries. Founded by director
Julia Kurnia in 2009, Zidisha is based on the key principal of lowering
interest rates for borrowers. It offers a unique peer-to-peer platform,
allowing clients in developing country to projects on their website and lenders
to finance loans in small increments.
The non-profit
has two or three paid positions (the director and website designers), and with
only online interns and local volunteers, the non-profit is able to cut
interest rates to just 5%. Zidisha’s premise is what one could call 21st
century microfinance replacing the traditional in-country team for an online
team of volunteers. It was what originally attracted me to join the
organization’s team because it cut down on the expense in microfinance which
was traditionally paid by the borrower!
Even though
every working experience has its challenges, Zidisha has really helped shape my
future career goals. I have been truly lucky to work so closely with the
Zidisha’s volunteer mentor program in Dakar as well as having the chance to
meet with many borrowers to see how loans have helped them grow their
businesses and some support their families!
Engaging
directly several clients and working closely with the volunteers, many
friendships emerged that will last for a lifetime. Zidisha has helped shape my
career through the realization of the importance to work closely with those who
are impacted by the development project. I hope to work someday for a similar grassroots
non-profit where I can have a direct impact on people’s lives.
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