One way to save is imitated in neighboring countries
«PASANAKU»
A game «made in Bolivia»
ECOS JANUARY 2013
Evelyn Lopez ECOS Text Fields
Carlos Rodriguez * PHOTOS * Internet Evelyn Campos
Email: ivcamloo@hotmail.com
The game of «pasanaku» is one of the best inventions Bolivian saving money in a very practical way, without the intervention of a financial institution, no written commitments and is based only on a verbal agreement and mutual trust. That money is usually saved one for equipping or furnishing houses, travel, acquire land, annually supplying food to the family or to cover an emergency or a debt.
This game consists in forming a group of people «responsible» for good references who are committed to making a contribution paper money, for a certain time (can be daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly), an amount that will be returned shift, but also periodically respecting an order that is defined by lot. The amount of «pasanaku» in play depends on the financial capacity of the taxpayer, says economist Javier Rodriguez.
For example if ten people come together and determined that each provide 500 bolivianos for ten months, this period each participant will receive a one-time 5,000 bolivianos, but the remaining nine months will have to continue to make Bs 500, «The success of game lies in the responsibility of the participants and this should be mutual trust, «says Rodriguez.
Millions of Bolivians choose this «Creole» saving system instead of going to a financial institution, where they say the «players» lost a lot of time in opening a bank account, the interest is insignificant and also receive the Banks require many requirements and documents for a loan, further delay in disbursement.
This game «made in Bolivia», is considered to be a derivation of ayni (Quechua word meaning mutual cooperation and solidarity), which is still practiced in highland communities and valleys of this region of South America and is manifested as social relations based on collaboration.
Currently practiced in all corners of the country, does not discriminate occupation, age, social status, or sex.
The economic contributions can start from a Bolivian (even kids play), to more than $ 500 (business or large traders). Today this game has been exported to Peru, parts of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia where it has been very successful, says financial expert.
Usually a person in charge of «arm» groups, make the draw, the collections do daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly? But benefiting that man or woman fulfilling these tasks? Usually you get the first number without entering the sweepstakes. Mary is responsible for a group of «pasanaku» for 14 consecutive years, playing for a total of Bs 6,000, with the money saved bought a lot and a bedroom set for their daughter.
Only in exceptional circumstances such as illness, accident or other emergency, the group determined to change the order of the draw, to assist the player who urges the money «because no one is immune to an emergency» justifying participants.
Supporters and opponents
Strangely, there are people for and against «pasanaku». Adherents are majority argue that it is an easy way to save and get a loan. There are two types of players: those who want to receive the money immediately and have an equity without interest and receiving end, for whom the game is more an expected savings of need.
Professor Graciela Doria Navas, plays «pasanaku» with a group of colleagues for more than 10 years, received Bs 5,000, after delivering Bs 500 for 10 months. Ensures that all this time I never missed a single player because it is a serious commitment to fulfilling the letter.
«That money could be used for something else, but we acquire a commitment, is a form of forced savings to have capital,» he says.
Opt for the «pasanaku» because they do not like rows and want to have the money on hand for emergencies, illnesses, or house repairs. «He who dares, wins, be encouraged to play looking for people responsible,» invites readers.
Richard Fernandez, a private accountant, he notes that this game creates a bond of friendship much narrower among members, because to join a group must have a lot of confidence through because not signed warranty documents. It’s a very interesting way of not having the money on other things, he says. Leer el resto de esta entrada »