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| Programmes |
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The main focus of Common Interest is its Northern Thailand Micro-Credit Programme. Nearly all donations are directed towards its work. In previous years, the programme provided small loans to groups of people for income-generating activities. Most of the groups were either rural farmers or hill-tribe communities who lacked access to reasonable credit.
However; in 2008, the program had some significant changes and now follows a “Village Banking” methodology. We realized that without savings, poor people continued to have a lot of financial difficulties even if they received small loans. So, in an effort to ensure that peoples’ lives were improved, we now assist villages in creating their own local banks.
Groups of 20+ women meet to create their own group. They vote in their own leaders and bylaws. They also agree to save together on a monthly basis. When the savings are collected, the money is then immediately used to provide loans back to the members at reasonable interest rates. The local Village Bank makes all decisions, collections and disbursements. Common Interest supports the banks by providing admin support as well as by providing additional funds if proven Village Banks request more money for loans.
Because member savings is used for the loans, repayment rates are almost always 100%. Social pressure from neighbours ensures this.
In addition to micro-credit, Common Interest has some smaller projects including HIV training and support of children’s homes. We also assist outside agencies or groups by providing logistical support for their projects here in Thailand. Due to the nature of our work, we come across a lot of worthwhile causes and endeavours. If you are interested in finding projects to support or fund in Thailand, we would be happy to connect you with local villages.
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| Jan 2008 Common Interest has began working in several Lahu villages. The Lahu people number about 200 000 in Thailand and live primarily in the hills. Many do not speak Thai and very few attend any kind of formal education past 10 years of age. Lahu are great pig farmers and see this as their way to economic success. This group of four received a loan for 24 000 baht (800 USD) to expand their farms. |
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