The most revolutionary use of the internet I've ever seen...
Seriously. I can't even get over this website. It's called kiva.org, and it is changing the way the world works. The concept is so simple...They let you loan to the working poor around the world. Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. When you choose a business on Kiva.org (and you will RIGHT NOW), you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.
Kiva partners with existing microfinance institutions. In doing so, they gain access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished communities world-wide. Their partners are experts in choosing qualified borrowers. That said, they are usually short on funds. Through Kiva.org, the partners upload their borrower profiles directly to the site so you can lend to them.
I saw a feature length MSNBC report last night on them, and I was blown away. The reporter actually went and visited (randomly) the people he had loaned money to. EVERY ONE had made significant strides in their life with the money they had been loaned, and NONE were delinquent in repayment. Of course not! The beuracy has been obilerated overnight. This money goes from us DIRECTLY to these people who are willing to WORK for (and repay) the money entrusted to them. Brilliant. The World Bank will soon be a footnote in a history book. This is the sort of thing I get behind whole heartedly. So who's with me? Go sign up right now (warning...they have gotten so much press recently there aren't many loans still available, but they are working hard to continue to identify partners. I'm going to personally connect them with Bohpelong in Mamelodi, to see if they could serve as a partner in identifying entrepreneurs who need help. Those of us who have been to Mamelodi know what an industrious people live there. Geesh, I'm fired up! Go, sign up now. NOW. Let me know when you have. You can thank me later.
Kiva partners with existing microfinance institutions. In doing so, they gain access to outstanding entrepreneurs from impoverished communities world-wide. Their partners are experts in choosing qualified borrowers. That said, they are usually short on funds. Through Kiva.org, the partners upload their borrower profiles directly to the site so you can lend to them.
I saw a feature length MSNBC report last night on them, and I was blown away. The reporter actually went and visited (randomly) the people he had loaned money to. EVERY ONE had made significant strides in their life with the money they had been loaned, and NONE were delinquent in repayment. Of course not! The beuracy has been obilerated overnight. This money goes from us DIRECTLY to these people who are willing to WORK for (and repay) the money entrusted to them. Brilliant. The World Bank will soon be a footnote in a history book. This is the sort of thing I get behind whole heartedly. So who's with me? Go sign up right now (warning...they have gotten so much press recently there aren't many loans still available, but they are working hard to continue to identify partners. I'm going to personally connect them with Bohpelong in Mamelodi, to see if they could serve as a partner in identifying entrepreneurs who need help. Those of us who have been to Mamelodi know what an industrious people live there. Geesh, I'm fired up! Go, sign up now. NOW. Let me know when you have. You can thank me later.
Labels: give, kiva.org, micro loans