Kiva - Loans that change lives.

This past Christmas Kelly gave Tim and I gift certificates for $25.00. This was not a gift certificate that we could cash in and buy a book or some clothes but to be used as a loan for an entrepreneur from Kiva.org.

Kiva.org is a groundbreaking Web site that allows one to lend money directly to aspiring entrepreneurs in developing countries. The initiative drew the attention of former President Bill Clinton, who included Kiva in his latest book, "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World."

Lenders choose a recipient from thousands of small-business owners looking for loans, and Kiva forwards the loans through a network of microfinance companies in developing countries. The system gives struggling entrepreneurs access to financial services that have not been available to them.

The loan recipient commits to paying the microfinacer back in a specified period of time. And you, in turn, get your money back or you can reinvest it to another entrepreneur.

The above picture is the woman I am helping out. Her name is Clavelina, she lives Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. The kiva website http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=29894 says this about her "She has a small business where she works hard to buy fish at wholesale and sell at retail. She has been a seasoned vendor 20 years and already has stable client base. She started out traveling around and selling fish in the small center of Asunción (capital of Paraguay). Later, together with her husband, they bought a motorcycle and sold fish in regions far from their home. Currently, they depend on a truck to distribute fish and furthermore, they opened a small canteen where they offer different types of fast food dishes. The menu varies but is composed of fish and beverages. The loan they request will be used to buy more fish and vegetables, condiments, and sodas for their canteen.

I can get on the website and check how she is doing and how much of the loan she has paid off. I can then cash out on the loan or reinvest in another person.

Check out Kiva's website. There are many people around the world who are looking for help, not a hand out. Tim still has to pick out his person. I'll let you know who he choses and keep you updated on Clavelina's business.