Thanks to the Nerdfighter Challenge that I stumbled upon at Kiva, I've added two more countries to my list!
Called the Mid-Year Loanathon, here's what our team captain had to say:
"If we lend $220K by June 15 we'll win a $1,000 prize. PLUS if we win there will be a fun contest with a $500 individual prize for the winning team member! All loans count, but you can filter below for team picks to see some loans we’ve vetted for you!"
Major coolness!!!
After filtering out those countries I've already loaned to, I settled on these two loans.
Davit of Georgia, a country with a coastline much like the one for my US state of Georgia, was an immediate hit with me!
"Davit is a 21-year-old determined student charting his course in marine navigation at the university. With a love for the sea and a passion for precision in navigation, he is committed to mastering the skills required to safely navigate ships across the world's oceans. However, the financial challenges of pursuing this specialized field weigh heavily on him, prompting Davit to seek a student loan to fund his education. He envisions himself as a future captain, guiding vessels through challenging waters and contributing to safe and efficient maritime transportation. This loan is special because it allows low-income students to pursue education and find jobs before repaying. "
Marine science!!!
Low-income student!!!
In Georgia!!!
Those are all descriptors that could have been applied to me at his age!
In fact, their ask of $100,000 was a big drawback, until I read more.
"Diaspora Co. is a woman-of-color-owned business dedicated to working with South Asia’s best regenerative family farms. Diaspora works with 140+ farm partners and 1500+ farm workers across 10 states in India & Sri Lanka to source their collection of 30+ single-origin spices and 6 house blends that are sold to their primary market in the US. Diaspora sets thriving wages with its farm partners (an average of 3 to 5x higher than commodity prices) that ensure smallholder partners and their workers are adequately compensated for their labor. Kiva’s loan is critical for Diaspora ahead of their planting and harvesting seasons as they look to invest in seeds, irrigation, and farmworker help. It enables the company to make pre-harvest advances for the majority of Diaspora’s supply chain, allowing farmers to produce without taking on high-interest predatory loans. Lending to Diaspora supports improved, sustainable livelihoods and climate-smart agriculture practices. This is Diaspora’s second loan through the Kiva Social Enterprise program."
Here's the comment I left to encourage others to lend to them.
"This one loan will help HUNDREDS
improve not only their livelihoods, but their lives and the lives of
others in their community. Win, win!"
Right now, they've acquired about a third of the needed funds to make that happen.
I'm glad I had the repaid funds from former loans to allow me to celebrate my birthday by helping others.
If, dear reader, you feel inclined to help them, just click the links for the two loans.
Hang back and enjoy the view.
Keep my hands to myself.
Report wildlife that seems sick or abandoned.
Keep my pets home or on a leash.
Lend a hand with trash removal.
Keep my snacks to myself.
Lead by example.
