NationStates Jolt Archive


A Truly Interesting Service

Kinda Sensible people
21-04-2007, 02:46
I watched a really interesting documentary in International Relations this afternoon about a new Micro-credit service. Kiva (http://www.kiva.org/) is a peer-to-peer micro-lending network that allows people in developing nations to request micro-loans from people in developed nations, who can loan to them directly. Not only does this take out the middle-man, it is a form of charity which is renewable, in which 100 dollars can be donated and re-donated over and over again.

What is the most clever charity service you've ever seen?
Marrakech II
21-04-2007, 02:52
That is interesting. I figured it to be a scam right away but looking more at it changed my mind a bit. Although do you think it is funny that most of the loans are concentrated in a few nations?
Kinda Sensible people
21-04-2007, 03:01
That is interesting. I figured it to be a scam right away but looking more at it changed my mind a bit. Although do you think it is funny that most of the loans are concentrated in a few nations?

The Documentary we watched was by one of the major news services, and they showed the service in effect. IIRC, the loans are concentrated because of the way they are distributed to the people who ask for them. There are community organizers who keep an eye on things on the other side, distribute the money when it is donated, and make sure that the person it was donated to is using it properly.
Call to power
21-04-2007, 03:12
what no interest!? :p