Momentum

22/06/2017

Dzhana is a passionate woman who has unfortunately been trapped in a challenging life situation, after previous work as an architect. When her father died, a successful architect, her brother took all the families money and abandoned her. Her husband and children have been struggling with health issues.

With a loan thanks to the Momentum contributors, she is intending to construct and sell a collection of mini aquarium/fishbowl home decorations.

She is pictured here conversing with Zarina - a vital part of the team - in Almaty 's famous Green Bazaar!

10/05/2017

Dinara is the first woman here in Almaty to be a part of the Momentum Venture project. Her life situation has been difficult since her husband walked out and stopped supporting her and the 2 children (one of which has Skitzophrenia and requires fairly demanding care and attention). She had worked for a long time as Pediatric Doctor earning inconceivably low income, and now it's simply not enough to get by.

With a loan, Dinara has commenced a short Graphic Design course, and we will be working towards opening a small business (including photocopy, print, scan, designs etc).

07/04/2017

Hi everyone! I have been living in Almaty, Kazakhstan, for the last 2 months and likely to be staying here a little while.

After many delays - progress is being made to get the Momentum empowerment project back on the go!! One major step - I have found a small team of local motivated Social Work students!

(By the way - I didn't choose all females ha! A university teacher found students for me who were interested in the project 😁)

More updates to come soon!

29/11/2016

Camping by the spectacular Pangong Lake (1/3 Ladakh, 2/3 Tibet). Wind was so strong the tent almost took flight but by night it calmed - but dayum cold!

11/10/2016

Happy Tuesday everybody! :) This post is a vital reminder about the Hand-Made Quilt Project that continues to go on in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Due to my lack of internet access over the last 2 months whilst cycling, combined with the decay of the initial hype generated - the project has been somewhat inactive with few sales, however there are still an abundance of beautiful quilts available whilst the women and their children are still living in quite dreadful conditions.

With Christmas fast approaching, maybe the time is right for you to take a look on the online store and see if anything appeals to you :) x

https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/MomentumVenture?ref=hdr

QUEEN size, Hand-made by Sunita & Babita

10/10/2016

Hey folks! Sorry it's been a while - not alot of internet! I'm currently in Leh, Ladakh (North India) having cycled over 3000KMS and over the highest road pass in the world! I'm currently just waiting for a package to arrive before I will get to work on the first loan of the project - very excited to do so!!

Here's a shot of camping by the infamous Pangong Lake - 2/3rd's of which is in Tibet, a stunning piece of nature located at 4,250M.

Further updates to come very soon! :) Tim x

07/09/2016

Camping in Kinnaur District, Himachel Pradesh, India.

Got to keep working the legs incredibly hard for another month to reach Ladakh/Kashmir (before the snow closes the roads) before being able to slow down and get the project underway!

24/08/2016

Interview/article with FundBeam! Take a read for an insight into alot of the challenges of the preparations and mindset struggles pre-trip!

http://fundbeam.com/cycling-silk-road-reveals-effects-micro-financing-loans/

Momentum Venture will feature a 10-episode web series on a cycling trip through Silk Road, showing the impact of Micro Loans on impoverished families.

17/08/2016

Stunning landscape view taken from my guesthouse in Dadeldhura, West Nepal! (P.S this room has a western toilet and hot water...living in luxury for the night!)

17/08/2016

Unable to ride with the broken rack, and on such incredibly horrible roads that jeeps couldn't even drive through, I pushed the bike for a day around 25km with these kids acting as porters for a section. They jumped at the chance to carry my panniers for a few dollars and lollies!

08/08/2016

Week 1 of the journey down! Incredibly tough so far - unbearable heat, huge uphills, lots of issues with equipment and things inconveniently not working, crazy truck and bus drivers. But I push on - exploring West Nepal before crossing to India. For anybody who is wondering - the first loan will be taking place around early October - once I have arrived in North India and successfully crossed the mountain pass that closes due to snow.

To read the full update: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/157439061/momentum-vlogs-of-cycling-the-silk-road-granting-l/

04/08/2016

SEE Change Magazine shared this great piece about the Momentum Venture project. Take a read if you'd like to understand how the idea formed and connected with the Cycling, the fears and challenges amongst other things.

http://www.seechangemagazine.com/?p=3375

A solo bike journey is focused on helping disadvantaged in Nepal through microloans