The article posted here is actually several years old, but still applicable. It's about an online organization called Kiva that allows people around the world to loan small amounts of money (as little as $25!) to other people in developing nations who are trying to start businesses to improve the economic viability of their lives, their communities and their nations. Click here for a link to the article.
One reason I am posting this article is that my husband Glen and I have become involved with Kiva and have been making loans to some of these entrepreneurs (look it up if you don't know what that means!) in other countries, but we want to have my students decide where to loan that money in the coming year. To do this, you need to become familiar with Kiva so please check out the Kiva website and explore its features.
A related reason I'm posting this article is that I think students learn more when they do more than just read about what's going on in the world. Our Kiva class project will allow you to become actively engaged in what's going on in the developing world by having an economic impact on the lives of those to whom we lend. Maybe it's just a few lives that are being impacted, but when you add up all the loans being made by individuals around the world through Kiva, the potential for change is immense.
Once you've read the article and checked out Kiva's website, respond to one or more of the following questions:
Should we as people of the richest nation in the world lead the way in helping developing nations, simply because it's the right thing to do (moral idealism)? Or should we do it because we might get something in return (political realism)? What benefits might result from assisting developing nations?
Does Kiva refute the argument that technology isolates people? Why or why not?
Are you surprised that virtually everybody who receives a loan from Kiva pays it back? If so, why are you surprised? If not, why not? Are your personal biases about developing nations reflected in your response? What is your image of the typical loan recipient?
Why do you think Kiva has taken off the way it has?
20 comments:
Bonjour, Mrs. Stotler! I think that what Kiva is doing is a great thing, but also risky if the people aren't checked out. The people we could be donating money to could just be scam artists and such, but Kiva seems to be an alright organization for people to donate money for other people in need. I think that we should help developing nations on both terms. If we feel morally obligated to lend a helping hand, then we should, but if helping them helps us in a way, then I don't see any real harm in that either. We might gain positive outlooks on what our country is doing by helping them. We might also gain friends, and a country should have many friends in case trouble happens. I was surprised that people actually paid the money back. I know most people I know who take out loans avoid paying them back when possible until they have enough money to be sure it wouldn't be a hinderance towards them. Paying the money back shows that they really did appreciate the help.
~H. Baker
In my opinion, I agree that the U.S. should help these developing countries to some point. I applaud Kiva donators, and your family for helping these less fortunate people start businesses so that they can succeed. I understand that as the richest nation were expected to lead the way in helping other countries, but I think that the U.S. should also help their own people. We have millions of homeless and hungry people in our country.
How many people die homeless and hungry in the US daily?
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1056020
Homeless and Hungry in the US
http://www.socialistappeal.org/usa/homelessness_and_hunger_in_the_u.html
These numbers are truly surprising! I think that Kiva is doing a great job in helping these people out, and it will only gain more attention and escalate. On the flip side, I think that America needs to start helping out are people more as well.
I really like the idea of giving money to people in need. Keyword GIVE! Although I think Kiva is on the right track wouldn't it be more helpful if the money was a GIFT? What if you receive a loan and can't pay it back? Chances are once people see you haven't paid the first loan they won't give you a second. What are you supposed to do then? Although I'm sure Kiva helps some people get on their feet until they can pay the loan back. What if one loan isn't enough?
Our nation is one of the richest in the world and I don't think it's unreasonable to be expected to give some of our wealth away. People in the US spend more money in a day then some people spend in a month. These people live off a few dollars a day. I believe you should help people without getting anything in return.
Kiva in a way seems like a way for people who don't want to actually give something to feel good about themselves. I think we can do a lot more then loan someone $25. Many people pay $25 for a haircut so skip the haircut and give the money instead. It just feels wrong to be giving people money that they have to give back. I prefer organizations like Heifer International and Habitat for Humanity were the only stipulation is that you use what you've been given to help others. For instance with Heifer international if you receive a flock of geese you give another family some goslings so they to can have a flock. I think its better to invest in organizations were the funds keep going instead of being given right back. Though Keva is a good organization it just feels wrong to give someone in need money and expect them to give it back. Overall I think there are better organizations out there that are more worthy of your donations.
I like this program and think it is a great way to help people in other countries that are less fortunate. I am not surprised that Kiva has taken off so well. It is an easy way to help others and it doesn’t cost a lot. Most Americans like the feeling of knowing they have helped someone else, and with this program Kiva makes it easy to do that.
However, I am surprised that it is only a loan and not a gift. I am even more surprised that the payback rate is so high. Most people that need a loan are just starting out and have no money. It can take a long time to get your feet under you and have a good, running business—and four to 18 months isn’t that long to get going. I don’t feel that my opinion is based on what I think of developing nations, I think it is just a fact of trying to get a business up and running.
My image if a typical loan recipient is someone who is trying to go out and start something new, and make a profit off of it. They want to create something that will help others, as well as themselves. They are often trying to make a life for themselves and their families. Generally, they are very grateful for the help they receive.
I agree with Tyler Miller. I think we should lead the way in helping people in developing nations because we are the richest nation and we should lend some of our money out to people who need it more than we do. By lending our money we our helping people build there busineses to help them improve there nation. I very much agree with Kiva donators and am very proud that there are people out there taking steps to help other nations. By lending out our money I think people in other nations will respect us and trust us more. But we have our own nation to take care of and there are plenty of people starving here, too.
Should we as people of the richest nation in the world lead the way in helping developing nations, simply because it's the right thing to do (moral idealism)? Or should we do it because we might get something in return (political realism)? What benefits might result from assisting developing nations?
I think that as the wealthiest nation, it is our duty to help others in need. But, and theres always a but on this topic, shouldn't we also be trying to help the poor and unemployed in America too?
By helping other countries, it does make us look better in the world, and possibly makes allies for us when we need them.
Another thing; by helping a growing nation, if they take off and become wealthy, then they can repay us and offer us help. Take Dubai for example, very small country in the Indian Ocean. They started off with not much to work with, then struck oil, and now have some of the wealthiest men in the world. If we help a small country that has the means to go big, it can come back on us and become a good thing!
I think that Kiva is a great organization, but I think that because of moral idealism, we should give gifts instead of loans as Sarah said. I do not think that it should be a requirement for the people of these developed nations just because we ARE a developed nation and most can afford the $25. Through the decency of our hearts we should be able to donate $25. In the long run, that's nothing at all, and it just may change the lives of a family halfway across the world.
Kiva is active proof that technology can broaden horizons and break down barriers. Instead of isolating, it connects the people in need with those who are willing to help. It is an honest way for people to help and know that the money they lend is not going to some money hacker, but rather an honest, hard-working person or group trying to make it on their own.
In a way I am surprised that the people pay back, but at the same time I'm not. These people are obviously willing to give the money back or they wouldn't even apply on this website where the people who paid can track how they are doing with the payback. I don't think that my bias reflects on developing nations so much as it does my bias on human nature. I tend to believe that the people on this website are trustworthy and happy to find someplace for honest and scam-free help. I think Kiva is great.
I think kiva has taken off so well because people like to think they're doing something to help the greater good without giving up too much. Through Kiva, they can loan $25 and keep giving, without ever leaving their homes. They don't have to go out and volunteer to help rebuild homes or get dirty. They like to feel good and think they've made a huge contribution. Kiva has made it so that they can do that without having to sacrifice hardly anything at all.
I am very split when it comes to helping other countries for moral idealism or for political realism, that is why I like the organization Kiva. It gives people a chance to help people in developing countries without taking away from their personal economy because the money is returned. Also, in order for a country to become developed I believe that they can not become too used to being supported by larger nations such as the US. This program is excellent because it gives people in these countries a chance to experience how to manage a business, not become dependent on others for money, and also to learn how to sustain themselves. Charities are great for immediate help to countries, but in my opinion should be saved for things like Hurricane Katrina, or the semi-recent Tsunami, where people need immediate help. Kiva is great=).
I also agree with Tyler. There are many people in the US who are no better off than the people in developing countries. Maybe Kiva should expand to also just helping people all over the world.
I think that Kiva has come up with a good idea. A lot of people don't like parting with thier money and would be more willing to lend money then to donate it. It certainly helps people to start a business when get a big chunk of money at the beginning. Then eventually they can pay it off when their business gets more successful. But what if they arn't successful? They have to pay the loan off anyway and thier right back to where they started.
I think that this money could be used better by building new schools or public facilities that can be used by everyone. I think this would help people a lot more then giving just to one person who might not succed in building a business.
The idea that Kiva has is not a bad one but they would be better off taking donations instead of loans.
I agree with Zane, Kiva is a very good system, but the money would do better going towards schools and other things that help more than one person. And although this won't help people to create their own businesses, it will give more jobs to the community, such as cooks, janiters, and teachers. And i also agree with Rachel, because if you loan money to these people they may not be able to pay it back, or the money loaned to them might not be enough.
I believe that our nation should help developing countries, but only to an extent. By doing this, we'd be able to help them get started, but keep them from depending on us in order to keep their businesses running. The helping of other nations is the right thing to do, because everyone should be given the chance to to something productive for themselves and their community. But doing it so that you'd receive something in return is just selfish, and that is definately not how I'd like our nation to be viewed as.
My opinion is that most like Chenaya’s. Yeah it would be nice if we just gave people the $25 dollars, but in the long run that doesn’t do much. When you’re trying to build an economy and your just giving the money out that doesn’t create a reality. If these people aren’t building their business in a reality how are they going to work long term? Yes it would be nice just to receive that money, but it doesn’t teach the owners how the system works. I recently was educated about the whole Sudan issue, and one of the successful programs they have going on is not based on donation…you buy these wire bracelets that are made in Sudan, use their resources, and employ their people. This is a system that creates and develops the economy which in turn makes long term benefits. As Chenaya said donations should go to things that need immediate relief. The best thing for developing countries is to have system like Kiva that runs loans because it builds the economy in a real way. It’s political realism…and it’s what makes the world go round.
-Cori Martin
I think Kiva seems like a great organization. It's amazing how many people are willing to donate their money to people in need. It doesn't surprise me that they give the money back. If those who were in need really appreciated the donation, they would work hard in order to give back what they took. In my opinion, giving back is a sign of being thankful.
I agree with Tyler Miller. Since we are a richer country we should help other nations, because it is the right thing to do. The United States should also consider helping our people in need before other nations first.
I believe we as people of the richest nation in the world have an obligation to help developing nations, but not because we are in the best position but because it is the right thing to do. I do not believe that our nation should be expected to lead the way, we already are the worlds most charitable nation, but that doesn’t mean other countries shouldn’t help. They were given a chance to develop no matter how hard or easy it was. It is no less of a good thing coming from us or someone else. People from other countries expect the United States to lead the way in doing good things and we should do as much as we can, but sometimes they just use that as an excuse so they don’t need to do anything. As for the question asking whether we should help other nations because of moral idealism or political realism, I don’t see why we can’t help someone because it is the right thing to do and possibly get something in return. It’s like the rule for holding open a door for somebody. If someone holds open a door for you, you hold open a door for others, at some point it has to come back to you. The U.S.A. can’t be the world power forever, but by helping a developing nation, maybe someday they will be the world power and if the U.S. is hurting they will remember we helped them so they can return the favor. As for what Rachel Wurster and Sarah Kerns said about it being a gift, I suppose on one hand a gift would make it easier on the loan recipient, but just because Kiva helped them out it doesn’t mean that they will help someone else out. So if they get the money back, Kiva can assure that someone else is being helped. Another point is that more people will be willing to give $25.00 if they know they will get it back, by doing it this way Kiva will have a constant flow of investors. I do agree with Sarah when she said that the repayment is a little short, but there are other sites that can be visited to match what both girls want.
In my opinion, Kiva has taken off so well because in most cases the people who loan out the money will see it again. So they can help people again and again, not just once, even people who don’t have much money can give to a good cause.
I agree with Dakota that we should do it out of the kindness of our hearts instead of trying to look good. I mean people nowadays are so focused on what other people think of them. Sorry off topic. I also think that Kiva is a great organization because it’s not just like a donation its more like helping someone to better their life. I know a lot of the posts said this but I think that Kiva is a great organization for helping less fortunate people out of tight spots. I also agree that we should help out people in our country too. I think its wrong no offense that this country will dish out millions of dollars to other countries to help them and make us look good but when it comes to its own citizens they act like we don’t matter. For instance, some single moms can’t get welfare, housing assistance, or healthcare; yet people who have been to jail or immigrants can get all of that like it’s a right. I know a single mom who tried to get housing assistance and food stamps because she got hurt outside of her job and couldn’t work. She couldn’t pay the bills and was about to be evicted. She was refused and told they couldn't help until she was actually evicted. If it weren’t for good Samaritans, there would have been no groceries of any kind and no rent money for three months. I just think that it is wrong that people can get treated like that, when they are doing everything they can to take care of themselves and their families. Why should Americans have to be living out of a homeless shelter to get help?
I think that Kiva is a very unique program. There are many different organizations that are created for the purpose of taking donations to help people that live in poverty and developing nations. Kiva is different because they take loans that will most likely be paid back rather than donations, which is why I think Kiva has been so successful. Although I personally feel that the US should be a leader in helping other nations because it is the right thing to do, I think when a lot of Americans decide how to spend their money they ask themselves, what am I going to get out of this? or What's in it for me? With an organization like Kiva they no longer have to worry about this because they will get their money back.
I think that you should want to help people less fortunate than you because it is the right thing to do, but I think many people don't feel this way because of their personal experiences and situations. That's why Kiva is unique and has been so successful.
I think that this project is a great idea! I heard a story recently that is very similar to this. A group like World vision gave a couple a small loan so that they could by fabric for their store. Within years, the couple had opened nearly 20 businesses and was working on building a school! I think that since nearly everyone in america has a spare 25 bucks, we should take a MAJOR part in helping other country's business. Not only is it a morally right thing to do, but if these other countries prosper with our help, imagine what that would do for trade. The U.S. would have a valuable trading partner. This is a great project.
I am not suprised that Kiva has prospered so much. I think the reason it happened can be boiled down to 2 things: it is really easy, and people actually have goodness in their hearts.
When i read that article i thought " wow, even a teacher could make a donation like that!" (just pokin fun Mrs. Stotler ;)
25$ is really easy to come across. I probably have half of that in my couch. Even then, the 25 is paid back. So, there really is no economical reason not to.
My other thought when i read this was " what if i was one of those entrepeneurs." I would be so happy to get a loan like that! That is just something that really touches me, and i know that others feel the same.
Omg! I remember doing this last year in AP World! I think it's an incredible idea! As the world power right now, we should in fact be doing this as moral idealism! In a way i think Kiva wants to show the world that there's still a lil bit of love and compassion in the world. Assisting other nations' business owners could also bring them to buy more from the U.S. because they won't think we're so bad. I'm not sure if Kiva gets to people in rural areas in foreign countries...but i do know it helps the people from poor[er] places than us who express their need for help. I AM suprised that those people do pay back all of the money because if things are economicly hard here i can only imagine how hard it would be in like Libya. Yes, i would have to say that my biases that they don't have as much as us does sort of shape my views of all of this. I remember looking through Kiva last year and the people didn't look like irrisponsible. They looked like the kind of people you can trust. Plus I imagine they do incredible credit checks or something on you to consider you for the program.
Kiva is going to make a huge impact on the world. The story at the end of the article about the boy with the starfish really hit me. Even though you are only lending money to one entrepreneur, thats one more person that will be happier and healthier. When everyone starts doing it, then it really adds up, according to the article as well. Why not lend $25? Thats more than some people have ever had at one time and to us its a lousy twenty dollar bill and a five. Most Americans spend that much on fast food in one week at least!
America should most definitely be ahead with this organization because we are the wealthiest. Lets show the world that we aren't stingy and we all can give, even if it is a little. We should do it because its right, not for the benefits for ourselves.
As for the question if I am surprised that most of the people who recieve loans virtually pay it back, I'm not surprised. If they are using the money to start their businesses or to help better improve them, then they will make a better profit. Though the money will not come back immediately, it eventually comes back around. The people who recieve the loans probably feel very blessed and would give anything to thank the loaner. That is why I believe that the receivers are filled with warm heartedness from the generosity of the loaner and will pay it back.
I think that we should help out other countries that need help. Since we are able to we should do something so that if we ever needed them then they would hopefully do it because we helped them out when they needed helped getting developed. It doesn't always matter about the payoff because you don't give a poor person a one hundred dollar bill and then tell them to give it back when they get the money. That would be very selfish to do to somebody that you helped out when you know their situation. You need to at least wait until the place has enough money to pay you back so they don't have to ask for your help again.
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