My Story Over
the past 10 years, I've witnessed unparalleled success when people are given
the tools to help themselves. Whether directing a disabilities non-profit, working with local school districts, or advising a Tibetan
Social Work Organization I have been consistently amazed by the power of
education to change lives. In
January, I'll be headed off to West Africa until June to help expand access to education through microfinance. I'll have the privilege of working with Vittana's Field Partner, Opportunity
International Loans & Savings (OISL) in Accra, Ghana's capitol. I will be responsible for assisting in the capacity
building and evaluation of Vittana's new student lending product. After my time in Ghana, I plan to
pursue a Masters in Public Administration specializing in international non-profit management. What is Vittana?
Vittana's mission is to
empower young people around the world with the education and training
they need to build a life of opportunity. For young people in poverty, every
year of education after high school exponentially increases their earning power
and chance to transform their lives. Yet millions can't afford this education.
Through Vittana, anyone with $25 can fund a micro-loan that helps a young man
or woman become a teacher, nurse, welder, or hundreds of other professions that
break the cycle of poverty once and for all. How Does It Work?
The Impact
Vittana works in 17 countries (with a growing
list), has a 98% repayment rate, and on average can triple someone's income that is, take someone living on $3 per day to $9 per day. Vittana's strategy is
to prove that young people are bankable and, like Grameen Bank forty years ago,
create something much bigger than the organization itself. The goal is to revolutionize
what global education means by catalyzing a marketplace for student
micro-loans. Impact in
Indonesia
Role of a Vittana Fellow
Vittana Fellows work
full time on-the-ground with microfinance institution (MFI) partners in
developing countries. Fellows are tasked with helping create, support, and
evaluate student lending programs abroad - Vittana's eyes and ears in the
field. Fellows gain experience managing the launch or scaling of a student
lending product at a highly innovative MFI. Additionally, fellows develop a
deep understanding of the inner workings, challenges, and opportunities of
working in microfinance abroad.
Where do you come in?
The
Vittana Fellows Program is an unpaid, volunteer position as Vittana expects its fellows to
support their entire journey. A rough budget estimate for my fellowship is below:
Medical (Immunizations/Malaria Pills) $400
Visa (Ghana Visa + Processing Fees) $140
Airfare (NYC-ACCRA) $1,400
Transportation (Field
Visits) $500
Accommodation ($350/month) $1,750
Food ($300/month) $1500
Internet & Phone ($100/month) $500
Misc (Mosquito Nets, Translator,
etc.) $375
TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET $6,165
These are my minimum
expenditures, but I'm sure incidental costs will rack up along the way. If my
work interests you, please consider sponsoring my Vittana fellowship. My
personal savings will go towards funding most of this trip, but your support is crucial to my success! Please see the perks section for donations!
Other ways you can help
Tell your friends! I would be incredibly
grateful if you forwarded this link to your family, friends, co-workers, or anyone
with a soft spot for education. With one click, you can help connect me with
more donors than I could ever reach on my own. Thank you for your support!!