Vannak, 43, was sitting with a neighbor and two of her daughters on her new, paved front porch when we arrived. Her daughters had just come home from the local school, where five of her seven children are attending. Two older children, ages 20 + 23, work in the nearby garment factory. Vannak's husband is a construction worker.
Vannak's loan of $200 is being repaid on schedule as of November. This is the first time she has taken out a loan through Maxima Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd. here in Cambodia. Previously, she had borrowed money from a bank but switched because it was time-consuming to go to Phnom Penh to make payments. She is very happy now borrowing through Maxima as they make house calls to collect the monthly payments. This new loan, funded through Kiva, has enabled Vannak to buy supplies to remodel their home. Previously, the home was of wood, raised on concrete stilts. Now, through the labors of Vannak's husband, the ground floor has been enclosed with brick and concrete construction to create more living space. They desperately needed this space, Vannak explained, as there are now 12 people living in the home, including her elderly parents and a cousin who was recently employed by the garment factory. The home remains modest, and I find it difficult to envision so many people living in such a small space, but many Khmers seem to get by with so little.
Things have been difficult for the family. Previously, Vannak had been a seamstress, but recently sold her sewing machine to put extra money towards the home remodel. Also, her son was injured in a chemical accident at the garment factory from inhaling noxious fumes. The factory covered his medical expenses, but they fear some of the damage to his throat may be permanent. Vannak hopes that the future will be brighter for her younger children and that the family will be able to save enough money to support them to stay in school. (Photo: Vannak with daughters and cousin)
MAXIMA Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd.
Posted by Tami Rowan from Ta Khmao district, Cambodia
Nov 21, 2007
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