Studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, Alex came to Bangalore to gain some hands-on experience in dealing with India’s vibrant economy, while lending a helping hand to the less fortunate. As his auto-rickshaw leaves the richer part of Bangalore, Alex points out the slums he passes every day on his way to work. “I’ve always wanted to come here. I’ve never really traveled anywhere outside the developed, industrialized world, and helping others in India gives me a completely new perspective on things.”
Walking up to his office, it is easy to see how the microfinance initiative Alex works for could do a lot of good. Started by a group of concerned, wealthy citizens, the microfinance institution Alex works for provides microloans to some 1200 women, helping them lift themselves out of poverty through a myriad of projects and working places. Alex comments, “India’s economic growth is immense, but reform – for example through this microfinance initiative – is slow. Still, more and more people are lifted out of poverty by expanding government services, and these kinds of private initiatives really help speed the process up.”
Being one of a team of three, Alex works in a rather small office, provided by one of the organization’s trustees. Greeting his co-worker, Alex explains work is not always easy, and he daily deals with challenges like solving a faulty internet connection, or as big as interviewing potential recipients of the organization’s educational scholarships. Still, Alex enjoys his work, and his efforts make him an important part of the organization: “One of the long-term projects I’ve been working on is designing and implementing a skill and entrepreneurship development program for the organization’s borrowers, in order to help them attain greater financial independence. This week, I’m doing research on other microfinance institutions that have tried similar initiatives.” Research on these companies is hard, however, as most microfinance organizations are profit based and don’t often look for ways to make their borrowers become more independent of their loans. Part of the reason his institution does, lies with the people who founded it, Alex explains: “They started this initiative to serve their community, and so the organization doesn’t charge any interest over their loans, while the trustees are at the same time very actively involved in its workings.”
Despite his important role in the organization, Alex explains his job is a relatively small one, compared to that of his co-workers: “They really spend five or six days a week helping these people. I’m more focused on doing the work that’ll make the organization more efficient in serving its members: at times I’ve got a different perspective on things, although ultimately there are some very capable people running this organization.” As his manager arrives on his motorcycle to give him a ride to one of the organization’s regular branch meetings, Alex continues: “Besides that, my co-workers are really fun to work with. They’ve helped me out immeasurably, are very welcoming to interns, and I can joke around with them on the office floor. They clearly love their job.”
As he joins his manager to meet and interview some sixty women who have come together to report on their projects, or apply for loans, it becomes apparent how much of an impact Alex and his organization are having. The women, given the chance to take care of themselves through non-interest loans, often use the opportunity to break free of the city’s many money-lenders, who often keep them in debt. Finishing a visit to a sewing atelier with the trustees – one of the many projects they helped start – Alex concludes: “The experiences I’m having in India, helping these people, and the ideas and skills I’m developing here will definitely help me go forward in life. To see extreme poverty, and meet people dealing with that every day: that is life-changing.”
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