Brigaders
10 students from
UCI, UCLA, and UC Davis
Community
Tomatin, Honduras
Population
About 44 inhabited homes
Major Industry
Bean and Corn Farming
Investment
20,000 lempiras towards
bean storage & bank capital
Cost of Brigade = $1,510
In-country costs ($750) + Airfare ($760)
"I will never forget my experience in Tomatin. On the first day of the brigade, the bank members greeted us with smiles and songs and I instantly felt like a part of the community. Over the next couple of days, families welcomed us into their homes and we sat there for hours, listening to their life stories and future aspirations. I came to respect their hard work and determination and was excited to help them reach their goals. My favorite part of the brigade was interacting with the children. They laughed at my broken Spanish but we were still able to understand each other and have fun. During our free time, I looked forward to playing soccer with them and listening to their endless giggles. I smile every time I see our pictures and hope to return one day."
~~Cherish Corpuz
PILOT BRIGADE
JUNE 2013
Brigaders
13 students from
UCI and Queens University
Community
Guaricayan, Honduras
Population
About 36 inhabited homes
Major Industry
Chicken Farming
Investment
28,000 lempiras towards
chicken operation & bank capital
Cost of Brigade = $1,550
In-country costs ($750) + Airfare ($800)
"My first microfinance brigade is an experience that I still look back on. Along with twelve other students, I had the chance to personally interact with community members of Guaricayan as we went door to door asking them about possible business ideas. I went in with the mindset of helping the adults in the community with their bank, but my favorite part of the brigade was interacting with the children. We played board games that taught them to save their money for necessary items and other basic finances. During our down time we played jump rope and interacted with the kids on a personal level. My all-time favorite activity was helping them prepare a lemonade stand so each kid can start their own saving account. From time to time I remember one three year-old girl, named Zoe, who I wish I can go back and visit."
~~Sonam Malhotra