Kiva has become a revolutionary approach to international lending, making it possible for people just like you and me to make a major difference in small businesses and projects throughout the world.

Kiva’s mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty.

And guess what? It doesn’t have to cost you anything (or at the least, a very small investment that can make a major difference!)

Take a look at this example:

Mrs. Sam Saroeun, 56 (pictured here with her daughter), is a widow and lives in Takeo, Cambodia. She is a weaver and typically makes around US$6 per day. She has three children and all of them are employed. They work as a weaver, hairdresser and tailor. Sam Saroeun would like to take out a loan to purchase hairdressing tools for her child to open a hairdressing shop.

Mrs. Saroeun needs $1200 to get her daughter’s business up and running. So far, because of people’s contributions to Kiva (which can be as little as $25), she is almost there but $400 short. You can lend her varying amounts, get it back after the business is up and running and either get the money back or reinvest.

For people who feel overwhelmed by the problems of our world, this is a simple, effective way to take part in a very hands-on manner. You also receive updates on the business, so its like a visit to somewhere across the world. Click here if you’re ready to make a big difference in a small way.