Thursday, November 13, 2008

Micro-Loans for Haiti

This saturday I will be attending the alternative gift market. SAVE is hosting a booth at this even for Micro-Loans for Haiti. I was somewhat educated in the economic state of haiti prior to this event, but never before did i realize the severity of the circumstances these individuals live in. 

settng up micro-loans for haitians is very important, because, a little help can really go a long way! haitian workers make, on average, 1.00 a day. seven to eight dollars a week is enough for a small haitian family to live off of. 

Twenty five dollars is enough for a family to get a small business loan. by donating small amounts, we can essentially help these families get on their feet financially, and start a business of their own.

I found an story in the national geographic that really put the financial state of haiti into perspective for me. after reading it, i really couldn't deny the fact that i needed to do everything i could to help.

jan. 30, 2008

it was lunchtime in one of haiti's worst slums, and Charlene Dumas was eating mud.

with food prices rising, haiti's poorest can't afford even a daily plate of of rice, and some must take desperate measures to fill their bellies. 

Charlene, 16 with a month old son, has come to rely on a traditional haitian remedy for hunger pangs: cookies made of dried yellow dirt from the country's central plateau. These cookies made from dirt, salt, and vegetable shorting have become a regular meal for many in the area. 

"when my mother does not cook anything, i have to eat them three times a day," charlenesaid. her baby, one month old (named woodson) lay still across her lap, looking even thinner than the slim 6 pounds, 3 ounces he weighed at birth.

though she likes the buttery, salty taste, charlene said the cookies him her stomach pains. she also said she know the cookies are affecting the quality of her breast milk.

The cookies are inexpensive, costing a average of 5 cents a cookie, so its the only choice for many haitians. 


Our small efforts can go far for many people in similar situations like this one. no one should have to survive off of cookies made from dirt. i am so blessed. i feel as though i need to give, and share my blessings with others. 





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