In the town of Lenbe, in Northern Haiti, there is a sprawling street market like any other where you can find food, used clothes, charcoal and car parts, among other things. Most of the people selling are women who couldn't come up with the money to start their own simple businesses as recently as two to three years ago. But by giving away "Ti Kredis" or "Little Credits" -- as little as $10 a month -- Fonkoze has helped create a new generation of street vendors in Lenbe who can now send their children to school, afford food for their families, and become more financially independent.
More from Ruxandra Guidi
Lessons of Policing the Border
(00:04:26)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
In 2002, rampant border drug-related violence in Nuevo Laredo seriously changed the community in Laredo, on the U.S. side of the border. These days, Laredo is adjusting to ...
Chat with a Muslim
(00:04:11)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
Mohammad Al Bedaiwi uses the web to make himself available to non-Muslims and chat with them, face-to-face, about Islam.
The Silent AIDS Epidemic in Bolivia
(00:03:41)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
The South American country of Bolivia has the lowest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the region. But its mix of tradition and cultural diversity are proving to be major challenges ...
South-South Cooperation in Haiti
(00:03:32)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
Brazil, South Africa and India are joining forces to clean up Haiti. In a partnership dubbed the “South-South” cooperation, they’re overhauling Haiti’s thoroughly inadequate ...
The U.N. Trains the Haitian National Police
(00:04:07)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
Training a police force in Haiti has been a huge challenge for the United Nations mission there. It’s working with the remnants of a force with a notorious legacy of brutality.
Venezuela's Humanitarian Aid to Haiti
(00:02:40)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
In comparison to the help that Haiti receives from its major donors, Venezuela's aid is minimal. But it's hugely symbolic for Haiti.
Caring for Rio's Favela Residents
(00:10:13)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
The first clinic for direct and indirect victims of violence opens in one of Rio de Janeiro's most dangerous slums.
Clowns Without Borders After the Earthquake
(00:03:46)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
A troupe of Spanish clowns visited Pisco, Peru, after a devastating earthquake. They were followed around by children, doctors and psychologists.
Bolivarian Slogans
(00:09:43)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
In Venezuela, slogans are supposed to influence how the people feel about their president.
A Local Texas School with a Global Focus
(00:04:41)
From: Ruxandra Guidi
Against a backdrop of failing public schools throughout the state of Texas, there is a new program at Austin High School showing new initiative. It’s the Academy for Global ...
Piece Description
In the town of Lenbe, in Northern Haiti, there is a sprawling street market like any other where you can find food, used clothes, charcoal and car parts, among other things. Most of the people selling are women who couldn't come up with the money to start their own simple businesses as recently as two to three years ago. But by giving away "Ti Kredis" or "Little Credits" -- as little as $10 a month -- Fonkoze has helped create a new generation of street vendors in Lenbe who can now send their children to school, afford food for their families, and become more financially independent.
Broadcast History
Aired once, on NPR's "Day to Day"