How much can a small amount of money change a person’s life? Many of us may think that it would not make a significant difference but in a place like Cambodia, it changes lives. Lets look at some real stories gathered from the FEBI members who have taken out loans via the group’s micro financing fund.
Seng Soben, Aspiring Hairdresser aged 24
Soben is known for his hairdressing skills in the Samrongtong District. He usually cut people’s hair just about anywhere- on the streets or in people’s homes with the only simple scissors he own. When he knew about the FEBI micro financing scheme, he began to be a member and after being qualified to take up a loan in 2009, he took out a about US$600 to open his own hair saloon. Today, he earns about US$150 a month from his business which enables him to repay his loan and contribute to the savings scheme in FEBI. After repaying his full loan in mid 2010, he took out another US$1000 to help his fellow villagers realise their dreams of owning their own businesses.
Kou Rithy, Farmer aged 37 with 4 children
Prior to becoming a member of FEBI, Rithy had difficulties rearing chickens as a side income aside from rice harvesting which was not enough to raise four children and a wife. His troubles included the chickens dying due to unknown reasons or losing the chickens at night due to holes around the cage. He took out his first loan at US$250 to patch and expand his chicken coop and build a more hospitable environment for the chickens to thrive. Over the next 8 months after repaying his loan, he took up another loan at US$300 to buy food and other necessities for the chickens which we was able to repay in full in December 2011. A serial entrepreneur that he is, he took up another loan at US$1000 to grow potatoes at Banteay MenChey Province. He now generates a stable income and has been able to provide a more comfortable life for his family.
San Sarith, Executive Director and Master of Electronics, aged 35 with 3 children
This is indeed another interesting case of a FEBI member or founder – Sarith, an Executive Director who runs his own electronics repair shop in Lorthyoung Village, Sombo Commune, Samrongtong District who despite having a somewhat successful business had trouble making ends meet. Through his own personal reflection, he then found a way to resolve his predicament when he thought about creating the micro financing scheme together with his fellow friends to help himself and others come out misery. Soon after qualifying for a loan he took out US$850 to strengthen his business offering by buying equipments for repair and other capital needs.
Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
For more information about FEBI’s members, click here: http://obcr.org/febi/



