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How? Kiva.org does it! You can donate money to alleviate a person from poverty in a developing country by helping them to kick-start their small family owned business. For example, if you donate $25, the person that you lend the money to will pay you back within 8 months (every person varies and this is determined in advance). When you have received the full payment, you can either take the $25 back or re-lend it again, then the whole process repeats.
a 59 year old woman who sells clothing in the Philippines
a 51 year old woman who sells clothing in Ghana
I donated $25 to a 59 year old woman from the Philippines who is a clothing street vendor and $25 to a 51 year old woman from Ghana who is also a clothing street vendor. Both have paid me back 100% within eight months. After receiving the full payment, I re-loaned the $25 to a group of women from Mali who sell clothing and $25 to a 60 year old woman who is a fish vendor in the Philippines. I decided to lend $50 instead of buying a purse or wasting my money buying something that will just end up sitting in my closet. Also, I have wanted to donate to a good cause that actually works and does not scam people.
Benkadi Group from Mali
a 60 year old woman who works as a fish vendor in the Philippines
My sociology professor introduced Kiva.org to me as part of her lecture about global citizenship. Kiva.org is a website that connects people like you and people from the developing world who live in poverty. Kiva.org acts like a mediator between you and the person(s) that you would like to help. Kiva.org works with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the NGOs work with the person(s) who needs help with his or her small business. If you want more information about how this works watch this video:
Learn more about Kiva.org you won’t be disappointed. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
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It’s like that old saying: “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” Kiva allows impoverished people to gain access to unrestricted loans so that they can provide for their families and build their communities. I hope everyone decides to help someone in need this holiday season.