In tough economic times, every penny counts. So, many of us are cutting back on spending. But while that can mean a few sacrifices, there are others facing much steeper challenges in life – as newsman and Ambassador for CARE International, Alastair Stewart, discovered on a recent trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina. But as Alastair also found out, thanks to Lendwithcare.org loans, there is so much hope for those with so little.
Lendwithcare.org is a scheme set up by leading development agency CARE International UK – backed and supported by The Co-operative – which allows people in Britain to make small loans to individuals in need in developing countries. The aim is simple: to help them start or expand their own business, to feed their families and send their children to school.
The people who are being assisted by this program are described as micro-entrepreneurs – individuals who have chosen to start a business enterprise, however small, in their local community. These inspiring individuals have also often had to face very difficult situations in life which have made it almost impossible for them to get by day-to-day. People like Tima, who Alastair met when he travelled to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Tima’s Story – rebuilding a life
Tima’s husband went missing on the first day of the infamous Srebrenica massacre in 1995. She gave up hope that he was alive only when his body was discovered in a mass grave, thirteen years later. To add to the trauma, Tima’s home was also destroyed in the conflict, leaving Tima with a small son to raise alone.
But CARE International rebuilt Tima’s home after the war. And now, thanks to a Lendwithcare.org loan, Tima is turning her life around. Thanks to her loan she is now rearing chicken and sheep and growing fruit. She plans to expand her business with more sheep – helping her get back on track and support herself and her son. Tima said…
“I am most happy that I have my own home. It’s my own place. I have my independence. My loan has also helped me buy more sheep and increase my income, so I can support my son while he finds work. Life is improving.”
A personal plea - from Alastair Stewart OBE
In his time as a foreign correspondent and news anchorman, Alastair Stewart has covered some of the world’s most momentous events. But his experiences in Bosnia, meeting Tima and other war widows who are using small loans to rebuild and improve their shattered lives, really had an effect.
Describing his time in the country as “intellectually and emotionally pounding” Alastair explained how it made him realise the difference that Lendwithcare.org makes:
“As a news man, my time in Bosnia reminded me how desperately close we still are to the atrocities that swept through the Balkans less than 20 years ago. But with Lendwithcare.org there is an uplifting realisation that so much can be done for so many with so little.
Having witnessed first hand the massive difference a loan can make to people who have endured terrible hardship, I’m really proud to have made a loan to Lendwithcare.org to help people like Tima. Now you can play a part too.
Give Lendwithcare.org vouchers as a present to a family member or friend and you’re giving them a gift with a difference that makes a difference. One hundred per cent of the money donated goes to poor people overseas who want to build a life for themselves. And it’s no ordinary charity scheme…
There is an uplifting realisation that so much can be done for so many with so little.
Ultimately the recipient of Lendwithcare.org loans aim to pay the loan back! So you get your money back and get to see how it has helped someone work their way out of poverty. And to my mind that’s something truly powerful.”
Make loan today at www.lendwithcare.org or purchase as a gift certificate for a loved one.
Proud to support communities worldwide
Lendwithcare.org is supported by The Co-operative and alongside CARE International UK, the organisations are aiming to leverage £1.5m loans by the end of 2012.
The Co-operative has a proud history of supporting microfinance. For instance in 2005, The Co-operative Bank committed $5m to the Global Commercial Microfinance Consortium managed by Deutsche Bank – and one of the microfinance institutions (MFIs) funded was Zene za Zene, the same MFI which manages the Lendwithc
are.org loans in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Founded in 1993, Zene za Zene (Women for Women) is dedicated to providing women victims of war with financial assistance and job skill training.
Our support for Lendwithcare.org and microfinance is part of The Co-operative’s continuing commitment to tackling global poverty.
Read more about our work to tackle global poverty >