Sveta is the leader of this group. She could regard herself as the happiest person just because of where she lives. She lives in a beauty spot – Bokonbaevo village. Especially at this time of the year, the trees and fields turn gold, yellow and red. In contrast to this, you can see a multitude of carefree cattle, easily visible against this marvelous background, munching the appetizing weed.

Sveta has had a big ordeal – the death of her husband. Having reached the age of 49, she has been left with their only child, a daughter. Back when her spouse was alive, they used to raise livestock and had a pretty decent life. At that time, her husband took care of everything. After the misfortune, she had to take the initiative into her own hands and, with the help of her friends, she started to raise livestock, feed it, and sell it at the cattle market. Trading in cattle used to be her husband’s occupation; now it has also become Sveta’s way of life.

Five years ago, Sveta invested $230 USD in purchasing cattle, and she has achieved considerable success in this business. On average, she makes $140 USD a month – a stable income, which is 60 per cent of her initial investment. Sveta is eager to expand her trade. She has applied for this loan to enable her to purchase more cattle for subsequent resale. One of her plans for the near future is to buy a two-chamber fridge.

Sveta’s group partners:

Tilek, 58, is a widow. She has four grandchildren. She raises livestock, and needs a loan to purchase cattle.

Erkimbek, 43, has three children. To provide for his family, Erkimbek raises cattle and works as a taxi driver. He needs a loan to purchase hay.

Salyi, 57, is divorced. She trades in cattle, and her only son, 33, helps her in this business. She hopes to obtain this loan to buy cattle.

Nurlan, 46, is a father of three children. He works for the government and combines this work with animal husbandry. He needs a loan to buy cattle.

Where did this loan come from?

This loan is brought to you by Mol Bulak Finance, a young, ambitious and socially-focused MFI in Kyrgyzstan. Mol Bulak Finance is strongly committed to the principles of sustainable development on the basis of the 3-Ps concept: People (building human capital and taking care of its customers and society as well), Profit (to be profitable to grow further), and the Planet (taking care of the environment). It is also the only MFI in Kyrgyzstan that delivers its services to customers 365 days a year.

To learn more about Mol Bulak and to view a video presentation about the organization, please visit: www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=135.

If you would like to support and learn more about Kyrgyzstan and microfinance in Central Asia, please join our Lending Team – Supporters of Kyrgyzstan – at www.kiva.org/team/kyrgyzstan. Members will get special updates and news from the Kiva Fellows in Kyrgyzstan and Mol Bulak staff.