For those of you who have been following our transition to Village Banking, we have an update on our first groups.
In March of this year, we tested the Village Banking methodology in two villages: Baan Pathum Hong and Baan Pong. After setting up their own savings and loan program, both villages requested a 6 month external loan from us which amounted to about 5000 baht ($143 USD) per member. We have been watching both of these villages quite closely and are happy to announce that both villages repaid their loans as scheduled.

Baan Pathum Hong invited nearby villages to witness their repayment and held a small celebration for their success. More importantly, the village now realizes the benefits of a Village Bank. Both villages have increased their membership and many have also signed up their daughters to be savers as well. We are very excited about these results. Not only does it confirm that our system is working but villages are starting to realize the potential of it for them. We are looking forward to the next two months as our other 10 Village Banks near the completion of their first loans.