April 2008 Articles
Mother's Day is Coming Soon!
This Mother's Day honor the women in your life with a gift that will change lives. In honor of mother's everywhere, send a powerful message that you believe in every mother's right to dignity, the opportunity to succeed, and the chance to create new beginnings. Please make a contribution in the name of a woman who is special to you.
If you have contributed to Adelante in the past, you should receive your Mother's Day Card in the mail early next week. To receive additional cards, please email info@AdelanteFoundation.org .
Microfinance & the Adelante Foundation Mission
Adelante in English means "forward" or "progress." Our mission is to be a catalyst to progress in communities where extreme poverty prevails, using a lending model called microfinance pioneered by the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. In the right hands, the small-business loans we provide become COMMUNITY CAPITAL, with the power to make an immediate and lasting impact not only on individual families but entire villages. What's more, because money from repaid loans are recycled as new loans, it's renewable capital -- an investment that keeps earning returns.
A Grandmother's Story - Shannon Clohosey
March 12, 2008 : The first time I ever read a blog was when I arrived here in Honduras only a few months ago; a few months before that, I had never even heard of blogging. Upon hearing the term, I may have chalked it up to some new lingo in the deepest part of the web-world where I rarely tread. Now, here I am, a few short months later, marching straight into the well-trodden world of blogging.
This foray into blogging has been sparked by another new experience: my volunteer position with Fundación Adelante, which began in early March. When I first arrived in La Ceiba in August 2007, I was captivated by the sun, the sea, and the abundant tropical woods that climb the mountains that back on to the city; I was also amazed, and at times overwhelmed, by the dynamic, entangled and often difficult history and socio-economic context of this rich country. While I have been here for over six months now, every day I find myself fascinated, bewildered and heartened by new observations, thoughts and experiences.
This blog, therefore, will be all about newness and learning. As I navigate the new (for me!) world of blogging, I hope to share my experiences, learning and reflections on my work with Adelante and their efforts to affect positive change in Honduran communities.
The blog can be found on Adelante's new website - check: it out: http://adelantefoundation.wordpress.com/ . I look forward to input and ideas from readers, and would love to hear from others about their own observations, thoughts and experiences about blogging, microfinance, Honduras, or any other subject I touch on.
Friends of Microcredit Are Everywhere - Janet Wiesner
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| Doug Spencer of Friendship Bridge, Mike Wiesner, Janet Wiesner, and Nancy Jacobs of the Sundance Family Foundation. |
Last month in Denver, Dr. Mohammed Yunus, Banker to the Poor, spoke to a very receptive audience about the past, present and future of microfinance and its effect on the poorest of the poor. His goal of reaching 1 million poor in the past 10 years has exceeded expectations. As of now, microfinance has reached 130 million.
University students, representatives of non-profits, company managers, and interested donors gathered to hear notable giants in this field. John Hatch, Alex Counts, and Doug Spencer were among the speakers and facilitators of many break-out sessions. The challenge to all was to get involved, get educated and pass it on.
Dr. Mohammed Yunus is the winner of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. John Hatch founded FINCA, one of the world's leading microfinance institutions with programs in 23 countries. Alex Counts is president and founder of the Grameen Foundation, with global partnerships in 25 countries. Doug Spencer is the Director of Friendship Bridge microfinance in Guatemala.
To read the Adelante article "Muhammad Yunus Addresses Microcredit Community at Denver Conference" please visit: http://www.adelantefoundation.org/news.htm.
For more information on the Social Business and Microeconomic Opportunities for Youth Conference with keynote speaker Muhammad Yunus, please visit: http://academic.regis.edu/cat/socialbusiness/index.htm.
¡Hasta Pronto, Ashley!
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On the last Friday of March, the La Ceiba team joined together to say goodbye and good luck to one of Adelante's most treasured staff members, Ashley Hooker. Ashley joined Fundación Adelante in October 2006 and worked in the development department to build our microfinance activities aimed at expanding our reach to poor women throughout Honduras. She moved easily and fluidly within and among the different realities of Adelante and worked closely with our network of donors and grantors - strengthening ties and forging new connections. She also put on her helmet, hopped on the back of credit officers' motorbikes, and visited Asambleas to meet and speak with Adelante borrowers in the field. Ashley provided consist communication and understanding across wide distances as the key link between our staff and Board of Directors members in Honduras and the United States. We wish Ashley and Carter the best of luck in Mexico and in all of their upcoming adventures and journeys. Hasta Pronto, Ashley - see you soon!
