Testimonial by Cristina Benitez of MicroLumbia (Columbia University in NYC)

Our volunteer consulting work with SPBD proved to be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my MBA. I had read and learned about microfinance before, but I didn't really appreciate its impact until I witnessed it through SPBD in Tonga. The goal of our project was to evaluate the options to expand micro insurance in Tonga. In the process, we not only learned about microinsurance, but we immersed ourselves in the culture, people, and businesses in Tonga. By doing so, we were able to understand the important role SPBD plays in the lives of Tongans. It was striking to see how happy the village women were to see SPBD. Many of them opened up to us about the importance of SPBD in their lives and how much they and their villages had improved since they were able to take out SPBD loans. Our experience allowed us to analyze and advise actionable recommendations which we hope will continue to improve the poverty situation in Tonga.

Thanks Cristina for the kind words. It was a pleasure working with you and MicroLumbia/Pangea Advisors.