VOLUNTEERS & INTERNSHIPS                 

Fellows' Experiences

	Tami Rowan "My experience volunteering with Maxima proved to be one of the high points of my time in Cambodia.  The staff was warm and showed sincere interest in the work they are doing providing loans to small business owners in rural areas outside Phnom Penh.  Through them, I saw firsthand how important access to low-interest capitol can be and how it can improve peoples lives."
	Darin Greyerbiehl “My partner and I served as Kiva Fellows with Maxima from October through December 2007.  From our first day, the management and staff of Maxima integrated us into their operation allowing us to quickly understand their business as well as helping us to execute our mission as Fellows.  Maxima's professionalism and support made our jobs a lot easier.  In the field, we were consistently impressed with the excellent rapport the Maxima staff had with their borrowers.  We made many friends at Maxima and will always be grateful for their gracious hospitality."
	Jessica Young “Dedicated to the development of rural Cambodia, Maxima is committed to providing to the best financial services possible to reach low-income clients.  During my fellowship, I witnessed the lengths the team goes to cater to the needs of its target: reaching the remote through door-to-door service, expanding services with the creation of a new branch, and bringing payment flexibility to farmers with the launch of a new loan product.  Equally as impressive as its offerings, however, is the relationship of respect and trust cultivated between each loan officer and client.
	Amy Killian “MAXIMA is an organization that will inspire even the most cynical critic of microfinance and development. An exemplary example of passionate, bright, motivated, and shrewd group of individuals utilizing their own resources and power to lift their fellow citizens out of poverty, MAXIMA is making a critical difference in the lives of Cambodians throughout the central provinces of the country. The partnership between the local Khmer staff and Kiva's international fellows strengthens the experience and power each has to offer and demonstrates that, when done correctly and with mutual effort and respect, economic development can truly and sustainably work to end poverty.”
	John Briggs "MAXIMA's founders built a profitable business delivering credit to rural, low-income clients, which was no easy task.  They did it by listening to their customers and delivering the best service possible, which has earned them a great reputation.  MAXIMA is a dynamic organization, and one to watch: greater achievements are on the way!  It was an honor for me to work with everyone at MAXIMA."
	Julie Picquet "MAXIMA is an outstanding organization. Not only are they dedicated to improving the lives of their clients, but their employees are given access to zero-interest loans for college. It has been a pleasure working for MAXIMA and I look forward to their continued growth in the coming years.
	Barrie Charney Golden Volunteering with Maxima was one of the most interesting and insightful experiences I have had. Being part of an organization that is run by Khmer people aiming to help Khmer people was truly inspiring. I felt like part of a big, happy, philanthropic, and educational family. Time and time again Maxima clients expressed their gratitude to the staff not only for the phenomenal work they are doing, but also for the personal relationships they have built. I feel the same way. It is no wonder Maxima has continued to succeed the way they have, and I look forward to following (closely!) their growth in the future.
	Marry Elizabeth Riedel MAXIMA MFI “works” because MAXIMA works! As a volunteer with MAXIMA from February to May 2010 I have had the pleasure of working with MAXIMA’s extremely dedicated staff. Employees who work long hours and often attend University after office hours to earn their degrees (many dusty and hot after a day in the field ). MAXIMA staff is committed to improving themselves and Cambodia. During my time at MAXIMA I learned a lot, Senior Management was very open to sharing information with me about their company and products. One particular product attribute that struck me about MAXIMA’s loan products, setting them apart from their competition, is their 10 month loan term which offers a 3 month grace period (clients can make “interest only” payments three times during their loan cycle). This is one of the ways MAXIMA's actions tell clients, “I understand the challenges (cash flow!!!) you face! ” When asked, MAXIMA clients often say the borrow from MAXIMA because of the customer service (fast and friendly Credit Officers) , and in my daily interactions (which sometimes included ping pong games after work) I can see why. I am going to miss laughing, learning, and volunteering at MAXIMA and can’t wait to come back and visit.