Parents and Teachers have a great opportunity to teach their children about economic responsibility by visiting the website http://www.kiva.org. Kiva provides adults and children the opportunity to lend money to third world individuals or groups looking to alleviate poverty within their community.
The idea is simple. People can join for as little as $25.00. You decide who gets the loan by reading profiles and business plans. The website guides newcomers how to read the portfolios. Ultimately, you make the final decision who will be given a loan. You will be paid back for your loan by the individual or group. Its not a donation, it is a loan. Once you immerse yourself into the reading, you will agree this is a powerful lesson for children and adults.
The motivation behind Kiva? Many people can not get financing due to the poor financial credit of third world countries. This is one of the primary reasons many countries can not lift themselves out of poverty. Kiva has improved the lives of thousands of people around the world by loaning them money without having outrageous interest rates.
For parents and educators, the benefits are many. Students learn many aspects about micro and macro economics. The textbook comes alive regarding the learning that will take place. Geography skills will improve because portfolios will encourage student learning about the continents and regions. Students will learn about geographic diversity. Most importantly, what a wonderful character education lesson for your youth.
I have the link to the site posted under economics.
