Freedom from Hunger fights chronic hunger and malnutrition with two of the most powerful and flexible resources ever created: money and information. In the hands of women, these powerful tools are the key to creating healthier families and stronger communities. Founded in 1946 Freedom from Hunger has always been dedicated to finding self-help solutions to chronic hunger, a dangerous condition that stunts growth, causes blindness, reduces learning capacity, and claims the lives of 35,000 children a day. Our lead program, Credit with Education, serves rural, self-employed mothers who live on $1/day. These women receive very small loans -- just $64 on average -- to build their tiny businesses. As they earn more money, they also learn the basics of health, nutrition, family planning and sound business management. The success of this program is best told by 37-year old Yetsavi Dotse, a mother of three, living in the African country of Togo. Yetsavi was eager to put her talent as a dressmaker to work to make a better life for her children. Yet, until Freedom from Hunger's Credit with Education program came to her village, Yetsavi could not afford the essential materials she needed. Loans were available only through money lenders who gouged their desperate "clients" with exorbitant interest rates. But with the help of Credit with Education, Yetsavi was able to buy material for her first dresses with the equivalent of a $50 loan. By selling the dresses at the local marketplace, she was able to repay her loan in full, with interest, and on time. In addition, Freedom from Hunger also showed Yetsavi and her neighbors the power of information. Just a few lessons on the proper handling of food and good personal hygiene have helped arm an entire community against cholera. "This program has been a blessing from God," said Yetsavi. "Now, I easily pay my rent and feed my children. My life and family are much better off. Now, we do not cry out for help from others." In Winter, 1996, Freedom from Hunger's Credit with Education program was featured as part of The Visionaries series on PBS stations across the country. Video copies of the program are available from Freedom from Hunger for a minimum donation of $10 to cover duplication and shipping costs. Contact: Freedom from Hunger,
1644 DaVinci Court, Davis, CA 95617; Phone: 1-800-708-2555; Email:
info@freefromhunger.org;
Internet: www.freefromhunger.org |
|
