I've really enjoyed reading all of the blog reviews of 2012, and everyone's plans for 2013. I subscribe mostly to sewing blogs, so this is what I have mostly been looking through – completed items and planned items for the coming year. Well, I am too new to sewing and to blogging to do much of a review, so I thought instead I would share my non-sewing plans for 2013.
Late in 2012 I was feeling low as a result of my illness and I felt in need of a pick me up. So I browsed online and came across Kiva. I could tell you all about what they do, but it's best to get it from their own ‘mouths'.
“We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.
Since Kiva was founded in 2005:
- 868,959 Kiva lenders
- $389,995,300in loans
- 99.01% Repayment rate
We work with:
- 180 Field Partners
- 450 volunteers around the world
- 67 different countries “
What I really love about Kiva is that there are so many people out there who just need a little help to make a better life for themselves and their families – and they are not looking for charity – they only need to have access to borrow a small amount of money. And they combine that money with their hard work to make a living, and repay the money you lent them.
You can lend as little as $25 to help someone, and then you get it back again. So you can lend it to someone else. Or maybe start a new loan while the first one is being repaid and when you feel you can afford it, lend some more money. But the money always comes back to your account so you can re-lend it or withdraw it if you need it yourself.
So far I have completed 3 loans:
Gustava in Samoa for her home tailoring business.
Jamila in Jordan for her sewing business.
Haleema and her friends in Pakistan for their sewing business.
I think you can see a pattern here ! There are so many business ideas, groups, people and communities to support, that you can find a business or idea that you are interested in – in my case sewing and supporting women in business. But go out there and find something that appeals to you, maybe a country you've visited.
So in 2013 I hope to be able to lend more to others who need just a little help to make a better 2013 for them too. Join me at KIVA and make a big difference with a small amount.
