In March of this year we made our first loan on Kiva. I read about Kiva in Bill Clinton's book Giving and knew it was something I wanted to check out. My first transaction on the site was actually a gift certificate I bought for my mother for Christmas. I knew she would enjoy helping people and figured it was a gift that keeps on giving.
From their website:
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. Learn more about how it works.When the loan is repaid, our money is paid back, and we are then able to turn around and make another loan, on that same amount of money! (Though periodic donations to Kiva is a good thing, too...that is not paid back, lol)
The girls and I really enjoy searching for our next loan opportunity. We have learned about a lot of different countries, cultures, economics....the joy of helping others. And instead of just donating money, which we do for other organizations and causes, Kiva is a way of helping people help themselves, in helping their business grow, or starting a new business, a way to create a better life for the world's less fortunate. These people would not otherwise be able to take out a loan.
It is addicting and fun. We started with just one loan...but have since put more money into so now we receive several small repayments each month, and can then turn that around and make a new loan with the same "recycled" money.
Try it with your kids today. It is a great experience to share!!
Happy Lending!!
