Blog FeedThe Meaning of a Loan
It’s easy to see why women who participate in Freedom from Hunger’s programs deserve to be called, “Self-help Heroes.” I’ve been privileged to meet hundreds of them on my many visits to the see Freedom from Hunger’s programs in action. I have often wondered how far I could walk in their shoes. Could I work a 12- to 14-hour day…every day of my life? Could I endure the back-breaking labor of getting water, growing food, caring for animals, and running a business on top of caring for my children? Could I live without electricity? Could I find a way to save money? How would I feel if I was married by 18, started having babies right away, and then know that, unless I gave everything, my children wouldn’t make it to age 5. And yet in the face of all this, the women I’ve met are joyful. They’re so grateful that someone trusted them with a loan and that they are learning about nutrition and health. They’re also happy to work together as a group to support and encourage each other. And the pride they have in their success is unforgettable. Ask yourself how you would do living in the same conditions and let me know!
2 Responses to “The Meaning of a Loan”
Sarah | 09-30-07
I don’t suppose I’d do well at all. If you’ve had the pleasure of getting to meet so many of these self help sheros, would you say that there are also aspects of their culture which support and encourage them? Do many of these friendships made in workshops for Freedom from Hunger transcend into other realms of these women’s daily life?
Claire | 10-01-07
Thanks for your comment, Sarah. You’re right to say there are aspects of village life that can support groups activities. Self-help groups form spontaneously in many countries to address a variety of issues. And, because many people live their entire lives in the villages where they were born, there’s a certain security in knowing that people are rooted to their communities. Surprisingly, however, this doesn’t automatically mean women are already lifelong friends. For instance, I’ve met many women in Freedom from Hunger’s programs who told me it was the program that gave them the opportunity to become friends. Only when they started borrowing together and learning together did they feel free to form the bonds and the “collective courage” to stand together. And yes, this camaraderie extends other parts of their lives. Women often keep their group identity and members to do other things as well, like form knitting cooperatives and even soccer clubs. (Not kidding! I saw it Bolivia!)Countless women have told me that they deeply value the friendships that have sprung from participating together in these programs. It’s one of the reasons Credit with Education meetings are so much fun!