Five Talents International
WISH LIST: $200: funds 1 loan that creates 1 job that supports 6 people; $500: purchases a dairy cow for a farmer in Kenya; $10,000: creates a village banking program
Five Talents International offers a hand up to thousands of people in Africa, Asia and Latin America through microfinancing, business training, and education. Managed from offices in Vienna, VA (and London, England) FTI relies on the Anglican network worldwide as an avenue into very poor communities of people of all faiths. The loans are small by US standards. At $50 to $300 they are the kinds of loans that banks cannot afford to make, especially when there is no collateral. And the businesses are simple: sewing, soapmaking, automobile repair, brickmaking, and farming. About 80% are headed by women. Week-long sessions on business planning, marketing, and accounting can attract hundreds, many of whom walk 5-6 hours a day to get there. Last year, Five Talents financed nearly 12,000 microloans benefiting more that 70,000 entrepreneurs and their families. Each $200 loan creates one job; each job supports six people; each loan repaid with interest is loaned again. FTI takes seriously the belief that treasure is meant to be multiplied. You can confirm that belief.
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Craig Cole President and CEO |
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