Testimonials
The Impact of PartnerTrips - Participants' Testimonials

"Traveling with GP to Peru gave us a unique, first-hand opportunity to see how the microcredit borrowers live, and how the loans have given them an opportunity to change their lives for thebetter. Universally they will tell you that their goal is the same goal that we all have: To improve the lives of their children. It’s incredibly powerful to be witness to the impact on their lives."
- David Marquez, Peru, Spring 2009

"The village bank meeting we went to in Peru was remarkable. The women from the village spoke about what self-respect means to them. Afterwards, they dug into their skirt pockets and paid the small sums owing on their loans. The bank treasurer (a young woman herself) recorded every peso."
- Melody McCutcheon, Peru, Spring 2009

"I was impressed by the MFIs and the credit approval process along with how the MFIs monitor the borrowers after the loans are made. Global Partnerships has done an extremely good job of picking reputable MFIs. In addition, I can't begin to tell you how inspired I was to meet borrowers who are directly impacted each and every day by microfinance loans."
- Jim O'Donnell, Guatemala, Fall 2008

"I thought watching the communal bank process was very valuable in understanding how it works. Watching it in action was fabulous."
- Dick Footh, Bolivia, Spring 2008

"I was simply overwhelmed by the level of engagement and commitment that we saw in all of the members of the communal association. Truly inspiring!"
- Eddie Poplawski, Nicaragua, Fall 2007

“Before the trip I read accounts of borrower success and had conversations with staff. But when you sit in the home of a client, listen to their story and see the pride in their faces, it is abundantly clear how much difference a small amount of opportunity can generate."
– Ginny Meisenbach, El Salvador, April 2007

"Meeting the clients themselves was most important for me, and hearing from them what their loans have meant for them and their families."
- Bill Hayden, Honduras, Spring 2006  

"I learned so much about Honduras and how the issues of poverty are being addressed. I also had an opportunity to see some of the tourist sights. When I returned home, I felt I had really seen a country from all sides and met some wonderful people along the way.”
– Penny Lewis, Honduras, Spring 2005

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