Rotary Microcredit Projects in Sonora Mexico
Update January 2017
 

By Terry Lubsen

District 5510 Microcredit Project Coordinator

 

Hola Rotarians:

The Microcredit Projects in Hermosillo Mexico continue to be very successful. The two Global Grants in the Hermosillo Project administered by our Micro-Finance Institution (FinReg), continue to perform well and exceed our long term goal of 97.5% collection. Over 85% of the borrowers are women, and many are single mothers. Portfolio as of Jan 1, 2017:

 
 

Currently the Tempe South RC is sponsoring Global Grant #1637450, with the Host Club in Nogales, Nogales Sur RC, for RY’s 2017/18/19. This Grant has been placed on hold due to DDF issues with District 4100. We hope to resolve the issue by Mid-Feb once D4100 determines how much DDF is available. I will provide an update to this Grant as soon as the final determination is made.
 
Future Rotary Microcredit lending Projects in Sonora Mexico with our MFI Partner, “FinReg”, will allow us to expand Rotary Micro-lending to more locations in 2017/18/19/20. We are looking at several new Projects, one in Miguel Aleman, where we hope to team up with the RC of La Jolla CA, to provide a Microcredit and Educational Project targeted to a large population of indigenes Indians from Oaxaca. These people migrated to Miguel Aleman to work in the fields, but most don’t speak Spanish, only their native dialect, and many of their children do not attend normal school. This new project will be sponsored by the Mesa RC and the Milenio RC in Hermosillo. Other Project locations we are exploring are Agua Prieta, Gauymas and Puerto Penasco, more on these as we get sponsor Rotary Clubs interested in participating.
 
We are in the process of organizing a Microcredit Steering Team with members from all three AZ Districts to better facilitate the Microcredit Program going forward. If you are interested in getting involved contact me for more information.  
 
We have a scheduled trip to the Hermosillo Project for Feb 10/11 ‘17. Due to the Project delay the one day trips to Nogales have been canceled for now. Join us and see firsthand how small loans really do make a big difference. Tours are limited to 8 visitors on a first come basis; if you would like to participate please contact me at; 480-699-9649; 480-250-8159; or at mexicomicrocredit@gmail.com.
 
If you would like a presentation for your club or other civic organization or are interested in learning how small amounts of money loaned make a big difference to overcome poverty, contact me, at mexicomicrocredit@gmail.com, or call 480-699-9649; 480-250-8159. You can always visit our website at: “www.RotaryMicrocreditMexico.org”.
 
All Rotarian contributions to a Global Grant will earn Rotarians Paul Harris credits, be 50% matched by the Rotary Foundation, are tax deductible through our 501C3 Foundation, and help us reach new borrowers who have no other source of capital to support themselves and their families. Microcredit is the most effective and sustainable poverty intervention program available. Join us in this Rotary International Community Development Project and make a big difference in the lives of the people we support. “Help People Help Themselves, Provide for their families and their future”
Thank you for your support!            “Rotary Serving Humanity”