The World (of Microfinance) According to Zaza

[The following post is by Zaza from the Green Shoots Foundation]

“If you could wish for anything in the world, what would you like to have for your Christmas present this year?”…..I asked a group of children from an orphanage in the Philippines. The responses hit me like a ton of bricks: “A birthday, see my parents, and go to school”.  At first I didn’t quite understand, until it was explained to me that many children arrived at the house without a birth certificate, have never met their parents before, or have the opportunity to enjoy basic education.

A day after my undergraduate degree ceremony I set off to travel around South-East Asia. Having previously explored the European countries, which did not seem to fascinate me as much as Asia did, I wanted to see what it means to be poor, and what challenges those individuals face, who fight for their survival on a daily basis.

Stories from the orphanage and others, which I have come across during a decade of volunteering and travelling have shaped my passion, enthusiasm and drive to join those individuals, organisation and institutions that aim to alleviate poverty in developing countries. Growing up in Germany and the Philippines has enabled me to get to know two very different countries, which are very much on opposing poles of a continuum, with regards to social, health and economic well-being. It is this background that has led to the decision to personally and academically follow a path, which would enhance my theoretical and practical knowledge on the multi-faceted and inter-related international development sector.

About to graduate with an MSc in Health, Population and Society from the London School of Economics, the time has finally come to get to know, life as a graduate student in the buzzing and fast-paced working environment of the capital.  Some may say it is a very stressful time and finding employment is a sheer nightmare. However, this is to be expected when one is looking for “the” perfect job right from the start.

I have decided to explore the microfinance sector and add to the health, population and demography aspect of my postgrad degree. I want to find out what microfinance is all about and what the potential advantages for poor people are.

It is great to join the Green Shoots Foundation team, who have provided me with the sought after ‘plunge into the world of microfinance’.

With this Blog Series “The world (of microfinance) according to Zaza”, I will aim to address some main issues surrounding microfinance, related topics, and my personal experiences, travelling through the microfinance landscape.