Kiva Lending Team Challenge: Friends of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School

Diane Butler, Math 6 teacher, is exploring traditional math skills through a not-so-traditional approach:  microlending.  Sixth graders are mastering concepts of compound interest, discussing real-world financial matters--and empowering people around the world with $25 loans through Kiva.org, a reputable microfinance nonprofit. The students explore possible recipients, determine credit risk through analysis of online material, and debate the merits of various lending strategies.

In a little more than two years, sixth graders have made $1,125 in loans (with funds provided as part of the curriculum) and have relent the original deposits several times. Their loans have gone to clients in places as diverse as Azerbaijan, Kenya, Tajikistan, and Timor-Leste, 22 of the 79 countries Kiva represents. The young entrepreneurs have earned seven of seven possible “social performance badges” offered by Kiva, focusing on topics like anti-poverty, entrepreneurship, and more.
   
English 6 joins in the fun with readings and discussion that enrich the project. Jessie Chatham, an 11-year-old St. Stephen’s sixth grader who has made dozens of Kiva loans with her father, adds,  “Even though I’m a kid, I can still help people around the world have the necessities for education and a way to support themselves.” Plus, she says, it’s fun!

Jessie encourages everyone to join the St. Stephen’s lending team:  Friends of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School at www.kiva.org. Please spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platform. We want to expand our team and expand our impact. Our team currently has six members who have made 61 loans. Can  our team expand to 500? 1,000? If you already Kiva, please join our team. If not, invest in someone’s future with a $25 loan--and join the Kiva.org Friends of St Stephen’s Episcopal School lending team!
   
Back
Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213