“My dream is to have my own clinic.”— Isidro Alfonso Garay Mora Dentist, Nicaragua

Before:Isidro had worked in a dentist’s office since he was 13 years old, but couldn’t afford to finish classes.

After:After receiving a $2,000 Vittana loan in 2009, Isidro was able to graduate in 2011. He has almost tripled his income and now earns $20 per day.

“My dream is to be a great music teacher.”— Thao Phuong Thi Vo Schoolteacher, Vietnam

Before:Her family helped pay for school, but couldn’t afford the full costs anymore.

After:After getting a $557 Vittana loan, Thao was ready to graduate in Aug 2010. She was working with disabled adults to help them overcome learning disorders through music. She fully repaid her loan last week.

“This will be my edge in a man’s world.”— Marjorie B. Oyco Welder, Philippines

Before:While also taking classes, Marjorie currently works as a baker and earns $1.64 per day.

After:In March 2011, Marjorie received a $161 Vittana loan to take a welding class. When she graduates, she will be able to earn six times as much —$10 per day.

“I want to fulfill my father’s dream.”— Segundo Martín Calero Escorcia Engineer, Nicaragua

Before:Segundo’s father couldn’t go to college because of Nicaragua’s Civil War, but wanted all of his children to finish. Segundo’s father started a shoe-making business, where his three children used to help.

After:After getting a $896 Vittana loan, Segundo graduated as an electrical engineer in September 2010. He now works as an analyst for the government and earns $22 per day. He fully repaid his loan in February 2010.

“My dream is to teach a class at the University La Cantuta in Peru.”— Mercy Marilu Canales Arango Schoolteacher, Peru

Before:As a kid, Mercy dreamed of attending college and becoming a professor. However, with her parents struggling financially, she had to quit school at 18 and work at her family’s roadside food stand.

After:In March 2010, Mercy received a $350 Vittana loan to study to be a teacher. Though Mercy never became a professor, she has a new dream: making college a real possibility for her daughter — she’s already started a savings account in her name.