Grameen de la Frontera trip report November 2007

John McNeil and Christine Elliot

As we arrived at the campo we saw a semi circle of about 30 women awaiting us in chairs on the carefully raked bare earth under a big shade tree.  After a bone jarring hour long jeep ride over rutted and dusty dirt roads and trails this was my first view of a Village Bank. 
The president and secretary of the group led an opening recitation of the Grameen Principles and Erica, the Grameen credit promoter called roll and recorded attendance. 

There were six groups of five ladies in the circle, some had been in the program for six years, some just joining.  The group was quiet and listened attentively as Erica, in a strong, articulate tone of voice talked to group about the individual and group responsibilities and the opportunity they have through Grameen. Stay focused, 7 days a week, whether you feel good or not, tired or refreshed, are pregnant or have kids asking for mommy.  You are helping yourself and your family.  Your husband many not provide enough food you and your kids need but you can help your family through your Grameen business. 

The ladies in groups 4, 5 and 6 were new to the program, shy, eyes cast downward, shifting uneasily in their chairs but listened with curiosity.  The women in groups 1, 2 and 3 showed confidence, enthusiasm and strength, spoke willingly and with conviction.  One member from group 1 spoke of how this has been so good for her and her family, how she had nothing, not even her dignity five years ago, now she feels strong and is providing for her family.  A lady from group 4 spoke about how much she and others in the circle looked up to the group and appreciated them.

What a contrast between the women in groups 1-3 and the women in groups 4-6.  Can a loan from Grameen be the difference?  
Another member of group 3 had a stick and was the unofficial dog chaser.  There were a dozen or so skinny dogs, their ribs showing through their tightly stretched skin, running and chasing each other, grabbing for any morsel of food they can find.  When the dogs would come into the circle the stick lady rapped the dog away, restoring order.

Each group in order, group 1 first, was called to make their bi-weekly loan payments.  Payment sheets were signed, money collected and counted.  Group four did not have their full payment.  One of their members was absent and not sent her money.  All conversation stopped.  Silence.   Moments passed. More silence. 

Each woman has co-signed for the other four loans in her group so the group is collectively responsible for the payment of the five loans.  Erica stared at the group and asked them for the payment.  No payment.  Erica then lectured the entire village bank about the responsibilities of the group for on time payments.  The meeting could not end until all payments were made.  A lady rode off on a bike to find the missing lady, another made a call on a cell phone, the whole group and village bank was now working together to find the money for the payment.  A lady walked around the circle asking for help with this one payment.  Gradually, several pesos at a time enough money was collected, notes were made of who contributed and the meeting continued with the collection of the rest of the loan payments.  The money was counted, double checked, signed for and the meeting ended with a resounding chant in unison of Unity, Discipline, Hard Work, This is our way of Life; Unity, Discipline, Hard Work, This is our way of Life and louder this time Unity, Discipline, Hard Work, This is our way of Life.

Back to the Jeep we go for another ride through the remote meanderings of roads, irrigation canals and dusty paths.  Clunk, we hear a metal on metal sound from under the Jeep.  We stop, all look under the Jeep not knowing what to look for.  It looks okay so we change drivers (as if this will help) and slowly proceed.
Later, in another group, 10 ladies were given their first loans of 1,000 pesos.  To qualify for a loan a survey is conducted of the woman's financial and living conditions.  Most are indigenous, have lived in poverty for generations have a roof over their head but probably dirt floors, a latrine out back surrounded by canvas for privacy and might own a horse and pull cart for transportation.   The poorest of the poor. 

The ladies form a group of five and fill out requests for loans identifying what their “business” will be.  Some make bread for sale to their community, some borrow money to fix a sewing machine to make clothes, some make belts and sandals from animal hides, some set up small markets to sell spices, food and paper goods.  Five applications and turned in, no collateral needed, no credit history required, just a group and desire.