The 2006 Nobel Peace prize was given to Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank. Interview with Muhammad Yunus. Donate money to the Grameen Foundation.
They highlighted the work they do with microfinance (faq). It was mine, and I’m sure many other people’s, first exposure to Microfinancing. I found the idea incredibly interesting and to me, I could see immediately how it works and helps people. One of my philosophies in life is that it’s always better to teach someone to fish*, this has gotten me in trouble with people for not being helpful enough. But I honestly believe it is more helpful to people than if I did things for them, or if I give them a hand out. This is one of the reasons why I support Habitat for Humanity. So while I donate money to charities I believe in such as Médecins Sans Frontières, I looked for ways to get involved in my own small way with Microfinancing.
So, what about if you wanted to get more directly involved? Instead of donating your money, you can lend the money to someone you’ve picked out on kiva.org. What they do. How it works.
I don’t get a tax credit for the money I send to kiva.org. I might never get my money back. However, I like the feeling I get when I pick out someone I want to help. I look forward to when I’ll get an update on their business. I hope that one day, they will be successful enough to pay me back, so I can give the money to the next person who needs it. This is better than interest.
To do a little more reading:
- Microfinance on Wikipedia.
- Canadian Gateway to Microfinance.
- United Nations Capital Development Fund Microfinance
- Unitus: Global Microfinance Accelerator
* Complete proverb
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
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Hello May!
It’s Angela the Knitnerd. Wow it’s really nice to meet an Eng Sci graduate through blogs. You took the Aerospace option! I have many friends planning to go to that option but I’ve decided to take Insfrastructure lol … I am going to the most unpopular option because I love buildings and bridges!
Just had a look at your Clapotis. Gorgeous!
May – I agree with your pov. That’s why I give money to the Heifer Project that gives animals to people in countries where owning a goat can mean the difference between life and bare subsistence. Let us know how the kiva project works for you!
I am a strong believer of Microfinancing & Microcredit programs. I had a friend who ran a successful micro credit program in Haiti. The difference it makes is immeasurable. What great links for the ‘layperson’ to get involved!