Ska Pune, Ska Buke (no job, no income)

The democracy wave rolling through Eastern Europe hit Albania last, but this is one Balkan country that did not plunge into civil war. The people were too hungry. Unemployment exceeded 60 percent, and 70 percent faced starvation. People who managed to stay employed were spared the suffering of their countrymen. Teachers earned only $35 a month.

Gani Elezi persevered through the hard times and says he and his wife would still be hungry if they had not received a loan from Opportunity International. Gani, although well educated, had no training or experience in business. But he and his wife decided that between her chicken recipe and his social nature, they had two of the basic requirements for a fast food shop.

With a $800 loan, they are doing well. Their shop is the size of a one-car garage. The one table has an oil cloth cover and a bar provides space for stand-up customers. Many customers order from the window and eat at the park across the street. Gani cannot afford to advertise, but has found that word of mouth advertising has been an important key to success.

Gani is in a loan group with two other men, a carpenter and a sock maker. Together, their businesses support 16 people. At a recent group meeting, held at the restaurant's one table, three strangers showed up. They said were waiting for the loan officer so they could inquire about starting a loan group, too.

The word of mouth advertising that helped to build Gani's business is extending the reach of the microcredit program to needy Albanians.