Five years after the 'Year of Microcredit' Radio Netherlands Worldwide takes the debate on microfinance a step further.
The theme will be central to RNW broadcasts via radio and the internet from January 2010 and Radio Netherlands is organising a special event with internationally renowned keynote speakers on the issue.
By doing this we will bring the subject back into the spotlight drawing the attention of a mass international audience to the opportunities and difficulties involved in microfinance.
Expert
The event ''Microfinance: Who profits?" will be held in the Peace Palace in The Hague on 25 January 2010. Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima and Development Minister Bert Koenders will address the meeting.
In addition, distinguished international experts will consider the question 'who benefits from microfinance?'
RNW films have made around the world with examples of how microfinance works in practice and during the event in the Hague one of those portrayed, Tortilla baker Linda Flores from Nicaragua, will speak on how microcredit changed her life.
If you want to follow the meeting live on 25 January, watch the live steam in this web dossier.
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Kiva is now also beginnig to expand it's operations into the United States, whereby microcredit which is now available in many countries around the world has now become a global phenomenon in the first world as well.
I to am a member of Kiva, and can absolutely substantiate Steve's story about the organization. What may also be added to the discription is that Kiva does work with a broad network of field partners who perform due dilligence as to the viability of the loan's purpose, as well as the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. All this information is given to prospective lenders in a biography of the borrower and their application for the loan in question. So far I have made 54 loans through Kiva in 42 countries, and have encountered only a few delays in repayment schedules, but have nonetheless received them. Over 98 per cent of loans funds are fully repaid on what is now slightly above $100 million in loans distributed by Kiva in just over 4 years. The case in which Eric came upon was not handled by a proper microfinance industry by the sound of things, and this should be highlighted. I agree with Jasmin on how to assist the lady in question, and as well suggest that more legitimate microfinance organizations look at operating in India. There is more than a substantial difference between loansharking and proper microfinance, and hopefully this will be illustrated in RNW's reporting on the subject.
The case in which Eric came upon was not handled by a proper microfinance industry by the sound of things, and this should be highlighted. I agree with you!
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I am not affiliated with this site, but I am active on it. While all of these people meet to discuss microfinance you can personally help people in developing nations. At kiva.org you can contribute to microloans in the developing world. The best part is it is a loan, and not a hand out. You do not make interest on the loan (the interest goes to support the organization in the country giving the loan) but once you receive your principal back you can lend it again. I have never had a problem with receiving the funds back, and it is a great way to promote small businesses and responsibility in the developing world.
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