ERD is working with the Ecumenical Church Loan Fund in Brazil to support food security in local communities through micro-credit activities.

Twenty-eight year old Cristiane Jesus Santos, one of ECLOF’s many loan officers, is the primary breadwinner of her household.  She has been working for ECLOF Brazil since 1998.  She learned about the position through a professor.  After she passed the first interview she had to do a “field test.”  Candidates were accompanied by another staff member and taken to an urban market to see how they would interact with ECLOF clients and how they would handle difficult situations.

When interacting with a client she first observes him or her to see how they work and by demonstrating interest in what they do she slowly builds a relationship.  She befriends them and show how she is available to help.  “Of course,” she says, “I also stress that the money is not a grant but a loan, and that loans allow ECLOF to keep giving loans and help others to improve their lives, it is necessary to make repayments over time.”  She says her clients treat her well.  “They call me ‘the woman of the money,’" she quips, "of course only until I claim the repayment!”

Each loan officer is given their own zone.  She usually goes to the most sensitive neighborhoods of Salvador.  These neighborhoods can be dangerous.  “Of course I am afraid,” she says, “but any place is dangerous.  I just have to trust God that nothing will happen to me.”

Her favorite client is Mrs. Vera of the Felicidade (Happiness) Group, because she is a very hard working and courageous person.  “I also like her in a special way because now, when I go see her, I can see the real improvement in her life.”  Cristiane helped send Vera’s children to school.  ECLOF Brazil requires that clients’ children attend school if they are to receive a loan.  The problem is that many people are no aware that the government has set up a school program.  “I told Mrs. Vera about it, got the government forms and helped her fill them out. On my next visit I was very happy to learn that her children were at school.  They are still attending which pleases me very much.”  She says she can think of at least four other children she has helped send to school.

In the future, Cristiane wants to use her experience in microcredit work to help develop solid projects for the development of an increasing number of people from the most varied backgrounds and communities.  “I want to help increase the outreach of ECLOF in its work for more than just society,” she says.