KIVA—Help to Diminish Human Trafficking
and Pay It Forward!
One way to diminish human trafficking is to get at the root of the problem. One of the “roots” is poverty, poverty that can drive individuals and families into trafficking situations.
An organization that helps people with their small businesses in economically challenged countries is KIVA, a micromanagement organization. It is worldwide and a respected and proven group that makes small loans. Volunteer persons vet these loans and design a repayment plan.
The other day, the Sisters at one of our convents decided to make a small loan to Agrifina Balmatero in the Philippines. Agrifina, a widow, has a small cooking business and she needed funds to buy ingredients and spices. She asked for about $850 to help her in this regard. We chose her for her work because we could see her request was already about 79% funded and because we have a number of Sisters from the Philippines in our Community. Our simple contribution of $25 would help her reach her goal more quickly.
The next day, we discovered that her loan had reached its goal with the help of us and 28 other contributors! We were elated! Agrifina will pay back her loan in eight months at which time we intend to loan that money to another person within the KIVA listings.
You may want to consider making a small loan through KIVA. Your contribution will reap many benefits and you can use the same money when you are repaid to help another person. Your loan just keeps on giving!
You can access KIVA through www.kiva.org. You then select a person by country, type of work or amount of loan completion. There is a picture of each person as well as an excellent explanation of her/his request and background.
Besides our prayer to diminish human trafficking, this is another way we can join hands around the world to bring dignity and hope to those who are struggling to make a living.
Contact www.kiva.org and see who might touch your heart.