Blogging for a Cause

KIva.org, an organization I support, is participating in a "Blogging for a Cause" contest. Are you familiar with Kiva? Kiva provides a way for you to get involved with microfinance, to provide a small loan to men and women around the world who want to start or expand small businesses. Your money is pooled with other people's money for a micro-loan which is then repaid by the lender. You then get your money back and you can lend again.

My first loan for $25 was to Makbuliddin Boboev. Makbuliddin is 31 years old, married and had three children. He lives in the picturesque mountain region of Isfara, in the Vorukh district of Afghanistan. Every year, from June to July, is the season for drying apricots. At this time, Makbuliddin and his family go to orchards to gather aprictos for drying. His total loan was $600 for a 10 month term which is paid back 100%.

Although there is a small risk of default, I do not consider this charity. It is a way for your money to help empower others who are trying to improve their lives. It is your money which goes out and comes back and works over and over again.

If you haven't checked it out, I encourage you to go to www.kiva.org
And for a great introduction to microfinance, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Yunus

Brent

This blog post is part of Zemanta's "Blogging For a Cause" campaign to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes that bloggers care about.