Kiva Micro Enterprise

The The project at project at Langlands Langlands Primary in Primary in AngusAngus

An entrepreneurial approach to international

education

““Give a man a fish and he Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man eats for a day. Give a man a fishing rod and he eats for a fishing rod and he eats for

life”.life”.

What is Kiva?It is an internet-based not-for-profit organisation

It is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.

This system lets you lend to an entrepreneur in the developing world –

helping them to lift themselves out of poverty.

Who is in the Kiva team at Langside Primary?

• Patrick Allardice• Robbie Gooderham• Eilidh Wilson• Fraser Cornford• Jodie Duff• Mhairi Ferrier

They are all in Primary 6!

They received $200 in Kiva vouchers from a local business, Forfar Removals

How were they chosen?• They completed an application form• 12 children were chosen to go forward to

interview• They were interviewed by the retiring Kiva team

who started this project in 08–09 and wanted the new team to be as passionate as they were about helping others

• The present team now continues the process every Tuesday at lunchtime for about 40 minutes. It is never enough and they always complain they run out of time!!.

What do they do?• They have weekly business meetings

and agree next steps• They go on-line to view the Kiva

website (usually with a partner) and look for new businesses to support

• After they have chosen someone and have investigated whether or not they are a good risk, they discuss it further with Mrs. Brown, their supporter

• If the group agree unanimously they proceed with the loan.

What happens to the money?• The group lends $25 to each

business they choose

• Over time, they accrue repayments

• As investors, the team get regular updates and newsletters from kiva.org to let them know how the business is getting on

• The money is returned to them and they decide whether to withdraw it or re-loan to another business

In other words they re-cycle money!!!!

They have supported entrepreneurs in many

countries already...• Peru• Lebanon• Uganda• Kenya• Tajikistan• Ecuador• Azerbaijan• Herzegovina and many, many

more!!!!

Some of the people they have supported

Links to Learning: Geography

In the words of the pupils…

“We find the country we have chosen to support on a world map or the internet and add it to our display board. We then research some information like currency, capital city, population etc. That information is typed up and added as well. We have learned lots!”

Links to Skills Development:

In the words of the pupils…

“We have learned the importance of good team work. Our communication skills have improved greatly. Our map work skills, computer skills and listening skills are much better. We are much more confident! We have learned how to be Global Citizens caring for others in our world!”

Future developments?

• Uptake from other Primary schools• Involvement of additional

businesses• A prospective transition tool• Considering uses within the

curriculum• Fact finding visit in Feb 2010

(DtS/LTS)• New resource/guidance?

“Help!”- a plea from the pupils (and me)

• We would like more people to take an interest in Kiva and for more people and countries to donate money to people less fortunate than themselves.

• If we can do it so can YOU!!

• Please encourage others to try Kiva for themselves. It is worth it.

Spreading the good news

Log on to the Kiva website at www.Kiva.org for more information

contact me:J.Christie@LTScotland.org.uk