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HOPE Intl

Jan 31 2012

By HOPE Intl

 News Working with the poor
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A History of HOPE in Latin America

HOPE’s initial expansion into Latin America came in 2005 when we entered into partnership with Esperanza International to work in the Dominican Republic. Building on the success of this model, HOPE and Esperanza joined forces to begin work in Haiti in 2006. Our Savings and Credit Associations in Peru are our newest program, bringing our country count to 16. Read on for a quick overview of our work in each Latin American country.

Dominican Republic

Background: According to a recent World Bank assessment, 43 percent of Dominicans live in poverty, despite a booming tourism industry; 16 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty. Employment in the Dominican Republic has been unequally divided by gender in the past 20 years, with approximately 63 percent of men but only 29 percent of women employed. According to 2010 data, one in five employed Dominicans remains poor, and one in 20 lives in extreme poverty. Continue Reading…

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David Wasik

Sep 8 2011

By David Wasik

 Staff / Travels
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Estudio español, pero no hablo español

I just returned from my second trip to the Dominican Republic. The first was in March, when I was interviewing with HOPE International and I took the trip to see Christ-centered microfinance in action. The trip was perfect—I got to see back office operations, the presence of the Spirit in the clients and staff, the compassionate and knowledgeable loan officers, and the solidarity among our clients that keeps repayment rates so high.

There was only one problem. I had to confront the fact that my Spanish was completely inadequate. I’ve never taken Spanish. I’ve taken one year of French, two years of Latin, and two years of German. So I can count to 10 in several languages but am proficient in none. I resolved on the flight home that I had to become proficient in Spanish. Not just for my work at HOPE—my kids are starting to learn Spanish and I’d love to go through the learning process with them. Continue Reading…

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HOPE Intl

Dec 17 2010

HOPE Intl

 Stories we love
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One Changed Life: Cecilia’s Story

At 52 years old, Cecilia is honing her entrepreneurial skills, learning good stewardship skills, and feeling proud that she can adequately take care of her seven children, the oldest being 31, and the youngest 17. Having taken out three loans, Cecilia credits HOPE’s partner Esperanza with teaching her responsibility when it comes to money. Not only does she have to invest wisely—which she has done through selling charcoal, ice cream, and soap as well as charging people to use her washing machine—but she also has to pay back her loan in a timely manner. In addition, whenever one of her 11 grandchildren is sick, she proudly takes them to the doctor and purchases the medicine they need. Cecilia believes that God has greatly blessed her through the loans she has received.

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HOPE Intl

Dec 10 2010

HOPE Intl

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One Changed Life: Dignora’s Story

Dignora

Dignora is a first-generation Dominican whose parents came from Haiti in search of a better life for their family.  Her own family is quite large, as she has seven children—the oldest of whom is 19—and one on the way, as well as five grandchildren. Dignora has taken out two loans to sell chicken in order to support her large family and send four of her children to school.

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HOPE Intl

Dec 2 2010

HOPE Intl

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One Changed Life: Nini’s Story

Nini

When she was just fourteen, Nini and her family moved from Haiti to the Dominican Republic in search of a better life. Now married with eight children of her own (six of whom still live with her, along with three grandchildren), Nini is thriving with her own charcoal business. When she first started her business, she needed to take out many loans from different places. It was often hard on her, so she jumped at the chance to work with only one bank—HOPE’s partner Esperanza. Since then, she has taken out 12 loans and not only feels the freedom of working with a single bank, but also treasures the camaraderie that has come with it, as she has developed great relationships with her fellow bank members.

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HOPE Intl

Nov 30 2010

HOPE Intl

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One Changed Life: Luis’ Story

Luis Mota

Luis Mota lives in El Seibo, Dominican Republic.  Things are hard in his community, he says, but thanks to loans from HOPE’s partner, Esperanza, he has been able to begin raising pigs and providing for his family.  Through a series of loans, Luis has purchased 23 pigs.  He plans to use future loans to invest in additional agricultural products.  Luis has won the love and respect of his community members, who see him as a true example of perseverance and hope.  With the help of additional loans, Luis is confident that his business will continue to grow and help him make great changes in his family’s life.

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