Our KIVA loan this month goes to Mohammad, a 30-year-old single man from Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, which is both a city and a refugee camp. He lives with his family in a small, old house. He is the only breadwinner in the family, and they depend on him for support.
Mohammad has a medical laboratory in the city. It is a good business and provides him with a good income, but the economic situation in the Gaza Strip is bad because of the ongoing conflict in the area.
Mohammad applied for a loan from KIVA Partner “Palestine for Credit & Development” or “FATEN” to buy a new modern analysis device for his lab, which will offer a wider range of medical testing to patients. This new device will enable him to increase his services to patients and increase his income. Eventually he hopes to save enough money to get married.
FATEN is a non-profit organization that provides micro- and small loans to economically-active entrepreneurs in Palestine. Originally founded as program of the Save the Children Federation, FATEN spun off and became completely independent in 1999.
Initially, FATEN served only women micro-entrepreneurs, but has grown to include men as well. Now it operates through 20 branches across the West Bank and Gaza. Its growing staff travels extensively to towns, villages and refugee camps throughout the regions surrounding its branch offices.
FATEN aims to expand financial access for marginalized communities. It also supports projects in new and existing economic sectors, as well as farmers who own land isolated by Israel’s separation wall. To ensure that people benefit from their loans, FATEN provides considerable follow-up services.
Since its inception, FATEN has focused on social responsibility. This extends to humanitarian, developmental, environmental, educational and health initiatives, in addition to economic outreach for women and youth. 80% of the beneficiaries that have received loans from FATEN are women.
FATEN’s unique lending approach
FATEN’s credit products include group, environmental, small investor and housing improvement loans. The institution has also launched projects targeting young people in Palestine. Student and computer loans help Palestinian youth obtain higher education and gain diplomas. This success qualifies them to access labor markets and to secure brighter futures for themselves and families.
Please consider making a $25 KIVA loan today. This small amount, combined with the loans of other KIVA lenders, can provide a hardworking man or woman almost anywhere in the world you choose with access to a micro-finance loan of a few hundred to a one or two thousand dollars, which can be paid back in small weekly or monthly payments. Such small amounts can enable a mother to make enough profit to send a child to school, or buy medicine to treat a persistent infection. It's good Karma. :)
Please consider making a $25 KIVA loan today. This small amount, combined with the loans of other KIVA lenders, can provide a hardworking man or woman almost anywhere in the world you choose with access to a micro-finance loan of a few hundred to a one or two thousand dollars, which can be paid back in small weekly or monthly payments. Such small amounts can enable a mother to make enough profit to send a child to school, or buy medicine to treat a persistent infection. It's good Karma. :)
