Citizen Dialogue

Much too often reality of the world looks dark. We are watching the news and looking at the world, feeling that our arms are tied. As if the events on this planet are out of our control. Our planet is just too big and the problems far too irresolvable.

There are those however, who KNOW that they can make a difference, who know that it´s possible, who know that change is just beyond our reach. Some of these individuals started the organization Kiva. Kiva lets you connect with and lend money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can “sponsor a business” and help the world’s working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you’ve sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back. Thanks to the life changing technological progress we have made, also known as the Internet, Kiva can make, what used to be expensive and complicated, very simple and inexpensive.

People do want to make their own money and create their own life, their own happiness. And there are capable. Only in certain cases, just wanting it and being capable isn’t really enough. This is the reason I have fallen in love with this organisation. It is so simple. So easy. It’s actually so easy that I feel people could do it every day. I don’t how much the loans can affect people’s lives and their businesses in the long run, no one can guarantee that a business will continue to be successful. But without these loans a lot of them might never even have a chance to be.

The other day I got in to a discussion about the meaning of life…Just a simple lunch conversation. Those conversations often lead to more anxiety than anything else, however they get you thinking…And we do need to think about our world. Often. Life flies by and no one can really guaranty what happens next. But don’t we want to feel like we made a difference and made something good in our lifetime? This I guarantee: You CAN change the life for at least one person somewhere in the world. You could be the difference between happiness and misery. You could give love and support, which will lead to someone’s happiness. That, if nothing else, gives a major meaning to your life.

There is just enough happiness, food, money and much else…for each and every one of us. If only we make some efforts. There is absolutely nothing more worth it.

Quotes from loan givers:

“I loan because I can. Kiva makes possible and easy what was not, and I hope this can encourage more humanity in the world.”

“I loan because I want you to have the same opportunities as I do. Opportunities to build a future for my family in a way that will also benefit the community I live in.”

Mia Masnic

More information at http://www.kiva.org.