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Aid
I don't believe in donations.
I believe in structured aid, in self conscience, in entrepreneurship.That's why in the past, I mainly gave structured aid to causes I know about (I still sponsor Karama)
I believe in microprojects, and microfinance
Today I read about Villagebanking, a bank that wants to give loans to the poorest so they can start a business.
Their 'about': FINCA provides financial services to the world's lowest-income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets and improve their standard of living. We target those who have the least access to services such as loans, savings programs, and insurance. Our clients include women, who make up 70 percent of the world's poor; individuals unable to find work in the formal sector; families displaced by war and internal conflict; the rural poor; and those affected by chronic poverty. With more than 20 years' experience and 500,000 clients on four continents, FINCA offers a proven solution to poverty.
See the result with a 50$ investment/gift.
50$, that's really nothing, when you know people are starting a business with it. 15 people that is.
Check it out.
Posted on July 24, 2007
in linklove, structured thoughts
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Comments (1)
Comments
I'm a big fan of microfinancing as opposed to aid.
A loan is different: people are 'forced' to change their attitude, and take structural actions (because they know they will have to pay it back).
I work with www.kiva.org.
Posted by Bart | July 24, 2007 3:36 PM