Action shots

I've finally gotten around to taking some pictures of my community banks in action. I've now started a total of five banks: three with groups of Cajabamba women, and two savings-only versions with classes of middle school boys. Below is the classroom of my 7th graders. The word that best describes this learning environment is undoubtedly "chaos." This class has 38 students (totally normal Peruvian class size), packed into a long and narrow room that requires me to shout even when the students are silent - and they are rarely silent. Although they are in fact 7th graders, they comport themselves pretty much like 3rd graders, and there is constant chatter on all sides, occasional rubber band slingshot missiles, and running commentary and questions from those in the first few rows. But despite the chaos, they are a fun group of boys, and our classes never lack for energy, smiles, or amusing mischievousness.

View from the middle of the room

The four members of the bank's administrative committee running the meeting

Bank meetings with my groups of ladies involve a lot less shouting, but that doesn't mean these señoras aren't equally as excited as the 7th-graders. Their enthusiasm simply takes the alternative form of excited whispers among one another as each transaction is performed and recorded.

Secretary Angelita noting who's making deposits this week

Treasurer Flor collecting deposits

A distinct bonus of community bank meetings with the ladies is that they often involve extremely cute children (brought along by their mothers/aunts/grandmothers/etc.). The below photo is of my current favorite Peruvian baby - and yes, he pretty much always makes that adorable face. It's probably because he just loves community bank meetings so much :)