International Service - 2008

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World Community Service

Microcredit Project in Quinto, Ecuador

Microcredit, also known as Village Banks, has been highly successful in developing countries throughout the world.  Through this program, small loans are given to very low-income people to help them set up small businesses.  These are people who would not qualify for normal bank loans because they are so poor.  Funds invested in a Village Bank continue as a Revolving Loan fund to support the future needs of the participants and others in their community.

A Village Bank is a group of 10-30 people, mostly women, who work together in the program.  Decision on how much a person can receive are made by all participants.  Then they all guarantee the loan as a group.  If a loan is not paid off, the other participants mus make the payments.  Talk about social pressure!  As a result of this requirement, most Village Banks have repayment rates of 98%-100%

Our club has contributed to this project through our District Matching Grants.

RAFIKI Project, Kenya

Rafiki wa Maendeleo Trust (RWMT) has been operating in a rural area of western Kenya since 2003.  The main focus of its activities has been to build capacity of the poor and vulnerable within this area in order to develop their skills and talents to become self-sufficient in life.

RWMT is constructing a Training & Resource Center to serve the Rarieda District.  The center will provide a bas for advanceing sustainable development through activities and programs aimed at building the strengths, talents, and resources within the local communities.

Our club has contributed to this project through our District Matching Grants.