A couple of years ago, I heard about a group called Kiva from a classmate at Indiana University. As stated on their website, Kiva is “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.”
At the time, I explored their website but didn’t get involved. What if it was a scam? Over the next several months, I seemed to hear more and more about Kiva, and I had a nagging feeling in my stomach that I should get involved. After all, it’s the kind of program that I believe in – helping someone to help themselves. So last November, I decided to take the risk and lend $25 to a furniture maker in Sierra Leone who wanted the money to buy more lumber for his business. Last week, I received a notice that he has now paid back half of the loan so far.
I am thankful for Kiva. In my own small way, I am able to encourage entrepreneurship and reduce poverty around the world. I look forward to following other borrowers on Kiva and helping them to realize their dreams.
