A few weeks ago I was over at Sis. Anna’s blog where she mentioned an organization called KIVA, which facilitated micro loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries via the internet. This peaked my interest as I strongly advocate investing within African economies instead of the current system of reliance on foreign aid, which perpetuates the neocolonial dominance of these economies by the West… and now the East (China and India). Plus those who benefit most from this aid aren’t the ordinary people but the politicians, their families, associates and members of their tribal group.
I did some intensive research on the organization and asked a friend of mine who works in finance to also have a look and provide me with their expert opinion on KIVA’s credibility. We both came to the conclusion that they are involved in a worthwhile endeavour which is worth supporting. I then registered and created a lending team called: AfroSpear Initiatives.
For those who wish to be involved in this endeavour, visit KIVA’s website and do the research to understand how the whole process works. It’s quite simple and direct. If you decide to register, I invite you to join me also in our lending team. The team does not adminster any loans. As a part of the team, you will still continue lending as an individual, but you have the option to count each loan you make towards the overall impact of team AfroSpear Initiatives.
We are continually talking about supporting Africa and asking what can we do to help move the continent forward. Here is an opportunity to “put your money where your mouth is” by investing in entrepreneurs who are working to provide a better life for themselves, their families and their communities. There are many worthwhile enterprises to be supported, so every month I will recommend one which we can support as a team. If there is one which you would also like to recommend, I welcome you to do so, especially if an enterprise becomes fully funded, which happens quickly in some cases.
“When we invest in each other, we invest in ourselves”
afrospear.wordpress.com 
Hi Asa! I just loaned $25 and I think they are fully funded now!!
This is great! Next?
Sis. Anna, you are a “real” soldier! I appreciate your support!
Let’s wait a few days to allow for other to register and they can recommend other entrepreneurs to supports. If not, then we can do it.
Thanks again! Blessings!
I like Women for Women International , which was started by an Iraqi woman , they help a lot of women living in war torn environment to get back on their feet by starting small businesses.
It is amazing with small donations and loans how many women are able to buy food, clothes , medicines and pay their children school fees.
I believe in helping little children also. There are organizations in which one can act as a foster parent from abroad to an African child.
I support two African children(Ethiopian and Kenyan) with Child Fund(it was once called Christian Children Fund Inc). The cost is only $29.00 monthly per child.
With this small amount of money, the child is able to go to school; the monthly $29.00 is also used to buy books, medicine,clothes and even help the parents buy seeds during planting season.
For holidays, I sometimes send extra money to buy gifts. A large number of the children attend boarding school.
Boarding school for black children in the United States is an idea I have been thinking about.
I believe this could be the solution to the lackadaisical approach to education that we see among inner city black and latino children.
Taken inner city children out of those horrrendous environment and boarding them in a peaceful and secure pastoral/natural environment headed by responsible people may be an alternative to public education for poor children.
A well planned and organized boarding schools could offer inner city children a world class education(excellent curriculum) along with planting food, taking care of horses,and other animals, etc.
This in my opinion, could be the solution to the status quo, educational system that is not doing much in changing and shaping young people into becoming fully educated, responsible and caring human beings.
I believe this is a good idea. I would join but I am one who like doing things by corresponce mail.
I am not very techie and don’t like doing these type of transactions online.
I like looking at statements sent to me and I didn’t see any number to contact Kiva. But let me go over this and then I will decide.
@ Ana
Here is KIVA’s contact information with a phone number:
http://www.kiva.org/help/contact-us
There are many organizations, as well as individuals out there who are doing good work and KIVA is just one of them. Get involved with what moves you or with what you are comfortable with. The point is to get involved to make a positive difference in someone’s life.
I was thinking today that I read a lot of complaining within the AfroSphere, a few solutions to consider, but very little in the way of actions that are actually being taken to make a difference. I commend you on all the efforts you are involved with.
Blessings!
It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to DO something, no matter how small. We tend to wring our hands and complain about what others are NOT doing for us.
Kiva is a great opportunity to actually DO something to help those who are making things happen for themselves, which is their normal way of life.
It’s cool that we can help facilitate it for them in this powerful way that’s really not difficult–$25 is the lowest accepted donation! Most of us can spare that!
As Ana points out there are MANY organizations to get involved in, Kiva is only one.
The AFROSPEAR is cooking with gas now!!
“When we invest in each other, we invest in ourselves”
That is the definite truth!!
I have to do a little research about this initiative. However, assuming it’s legitimate, I am so thankful for this post. I’m definitely going to pass on the word about it.
Excellent – thank you. Straight to the source no middle man!!
So Kiva isn’t a scam? I’m very relieved to learn this. I too would like to see business sprout and grow in Africa.
KIVA gets big time mention in N.Y. Times columnist Nicholas Kristof’s October 20th On the Ground blog post. Great post-great blog