Madhu Anand, a Cisco Leadership Fellow and a Business Operations Manager at Cisco Systems, had prepared herself for the poverty of Kyrgyzstan. She had committed six full months to helping create a technology and software backbone designed to increase the operational efficiency of Mercy Corps microcredit institution in Kyrgyzstan, Kompanion. Of the country’s five million citizens, almost one in two are below the poverty line.

What Madhu found in Kyrgyzstan would challenge her assumptions of what poverty means.

“I went to a field site in Karakol, a town of 60,000 people located about 400 kilometers east of Bishkek [Kyrgyzstan’s capital], and saw lights, hot and cold running water, and people using the Internet. I had expected the town to have fewer amenities. Then I went to the rest room…

…an outhouse with an open pit toilet.

I wouldn’t have been surprised if Karakol was without electricity and running water. I WAS surprised at the big anomaly between the Internet, lights, electricity and… no flush toilet. Clearly their priorities are driven by what technology can offer for the future. Basics, if they work, will be addressed later! This indicates to me a huge market for technology and other consumer items.”

Madhu’s true measure of success will only come after the technology and software backbone she is helping to develop is finally implemented AND Kompanion’s transactional costs are reduced. By that point, Madhu will be long gone.

For her part, Madhu feels fortunate to be participating in the Cisco Leadership Fellows program. The experience has blended corporate social responsibility and professional development. “I am learning an enormous amount that I wouldn’t learn in my job at Cisco.”

My final question to Madhu: Would you do this again?
Her answer: Anytime.

To learn more about corporate service fellowship programs, visit BuildingBlocks International or contact info@bblocks.org.