Francisco Javier Soza Calero

Francisco Javier Soza Calero is 31 years old, and comes from the central part of the City of Masaya. This area specializes in the production of handicrafts, such as leather work, pottery, plastic, and others. Francisco is the head of a young family which includes his daughter of 6 years, to whom he dedicates his life and work, and his wife, who has supported him in all of his projects and dreams. He owns a handicraft workshop, where he works making footwear, such as slippers and shoes for schoolchildren. He learned the trade because he worked as an employee in a workshop in the occupation that they call "alistadores" (this term refers to those who make the sole of the shoe, and later give it to those who finish it.) His aunt distributes shoes in different areas of the country; this motivated him to have his own workshop, since she offered to sell the shoes that he would produce. Francisco has passed through some difficult situations, as when he suffered appendicitis, and was just recovering when his mother died. This loss was very hard for his family, but most of all for him. In spite of this, with the help of his wife and the encouragement and love of his daughter, he decided to exert himself much more and, with the loans that he secured, establish a mini grocery store. The current loan will be invested in the growth of the mini grocery and in raw materials for his workshop.

Translated from Spanish by Lisa Grobar, Kiva Volunteer

Francisco Javier Soza Calero de 31 años de edad, proviene de la ciudad de Masaya, de la parte céntrica donde sobresale la artesanía, como lo son el trabajo en cuero, barro, camba entre otros.

Francisco es la cabeza de una familia joven formada por su hija de 6 años a quien le dedica su vida y trabajo y su esposa quien lo ha apoyado en sus proyectos y sueños. Él posee un taller artesanal, donde trabaja en la elaboración de calzado, como lo son Chinelas y zapato colegial.

Aprendió el oficio, por que trabajó en un taller donde él era empleado o como ellos lo llaman “alistadores” (son quienes hacen toda la base del zapato, para luego entregársela a quien hace el acabado). Su tía distribuye calzado en diferentes zonas del país, entonces lo motivo a poner su propio taller, ofreciéndole ser ella quien le vendiera el zapato.

Francisco ha pasado situaciones muy difíciles, como lo fue cuando sufrió apendicitis y justo cuando se estaba recuperando su mamá falleció y ese golpe fue algo muy duro para su familia, pero sobre todo para él. A pesar de todo, con la ayuda de su esposa, el ánimo y el amor de su hija, decidió esforzarse mucho más y con los créditos han logrado poner una mini-pulpería.

Su crédito actual pretende invertirlo en acrecentar la mini-pulpería y en materia prima para su taller.



Important Information About This Loan
In mid 2008, a movement began in Nicaragua called “Movimiento No Pago” (a movement for non-payment of loans). This movement, supported mostly by farmers of the north of Nicaragua with ties to the left-wing party in Nicaragua, has been organizing protests and making it difficult for some branches of microfinance institutions to operate normally. This movement has been fed by the global the economic crisis, which has made it more difficult for Nicaraguans to pay back their loans. This group has submitted a law to the government to create a moratorium on debt repayment. If passed, the law could have a severe effect on the microfinance industry and banking sector in Nicaragua. Recent information indicates that the situation may be improving as the President of Nicaragua has spoken out against this law and would not support its passage in its current form. The network of microfinance institutions in Nicaragua (ASOMIF) has been negotiating with the government in support of an alternative proposal. Kiva, along with 25 other funders from 9 countries, has signed onto a letter to the Nicaraguan government urging a resolution to this situation without enacting a moratorium on debt repayment. The potential passage of the debt moratorium increases the risk of lending in Nicaragua. For more information, please see the following articles: http://impreso.elnuevodiario.com.ni/2009/09/24/nacionales/110236; http://www.laprensa.com.ni/archivo/2009/octubre/16/noticias/economia/355010.shtml

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