Who are the Borrowers?

Thus far, loans have been made to 20 borrowers in Deschapelles, Haiti.   Choukoun provides credit to local residents to start businesses or grow businesses that they believe the community needs.  Consequently, the borrowers represent a cross-section of the community from teachers to repair shops.

A Potter

This potter used his loan to purchase a large quantity of materials to make his pots out of concrete.  He has a good clientele.  However, he delivers the pots to his clients which increases his cost.  We have suggested that he charge for the delivery.  His pots are used primarily for plants.

An Artisan

This artisan makes hand bags out of cast off plastic wrappers.  He folds the pieces into long strips, then glues and sews them together to make stylish items.

A Farmer

This farmer used his loan to purchase a pump to pump water up over the levee of the canal to irrigate his fields in the dry season.  In April, he had a large field of corn which he could not have grown without his pump.  He also uses his pump to irrigate other farmers’ fields for a fee thus developing another source of revenue for him.

A Beekeeper

This entrepreneur used his loan to start an apiary to produce honey.  He paid a consultant to assist him.  Within one year of receiving his loan, he was in production and selling honey.  The bees are great for pollinating as well and should help him increase his fruit production.

A Tailor

This tailor used his loan to buy a button maker, fabric and notions.  The purchase of a button maker enables him to make higher quality clothes at a more efficient rate.  Since he was able to get the loan, he purchased enough notions so he could open a store at his shop/home to sell the clothes and the notions thus producing another source of income for him and his family.

An Artist and Gallery Owner

Elinord received a loan to help finish a  building he will use as a gallery for his and others’ paintings.  At this point he carries paintings rolled up in a soft guitar case.  He has made progress on his building, but still has a ways to go. 

A Kindergarten Owner

Martine started a kindergarten which provides education and child care for pre-school children.

Her school, “The Flower Garden of Martine Kindergarten” has enrolled about 25 children. 

Bicycle and Moto-repair

Raymond has a small bicycle and moto-repair shop on the main road.  He used his loan to increase his stock.  Unfortunately, he suffered losses from theft.  We are working with him to find a good solution.

Moto Business

Elso’s loan was to purchase a moto to be used as a taxi. His home is on the main road, and convenient to find riders. He posed proudly with his new moto in April. 

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Cyber-Cafe

This entrepreneur has a cyber café on a busy road leading to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer.  He asked for a loan to purchase a projector so he could increase the number of students in his computer classes. He has several other projects in his complex.

Furniture maker

This furniture maker works out of his home.  His loan was to increase his stock  and purchase some tools.  He  works mostly on order.  He  produces beautiful furniture using only the most basic tools. 

A woodworker

This carpenter used his loan to purchase stock and tools for his woodworking shop.  He makes pieces on order.  He  says he  has plenty of orders but sometimes the purchasers lack the money to pay when the order is complete. 

Tailor

This tailor used his loan to purchase a sewing machine to enable him to make backpacks and baseball caps thereby expanding the type of products he can offer to the community. 

Computer School

This entrepreneur used his loan to replace outdated and broken computers for his computer school.

Choukoun Borrowers

The first group of Choukoun borrowers determined what their community needed and, with their loan proceeds, started or grew businesses to address those needs. Since the January 2010 earthquake, the need for credit is even greater as persons displaced from Port au Prince try to establish new lives in the countryside.

Choukoun provides opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the people and the communities in which they live and work.

Woodworker

This woodworker used his loan to increase his stock and buy new tools.  He specializes in decorative doors.