“Lifting one to lift many” is the sentiment behind the Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour’s investment in Kiva loans. Kiva is a not-for-profit organisation facilitating loans to low-income entrepreneurs and students in 77 countries.
In 2011, Sydney City Rotaract club began a Kiva account, and this was transferred to the Darlings in 2020. Over the last 10 years, we have made used an initial investment of $9,000 to support $55,000 in loans to people around the world. This puts us in the top 1% of lenders worldwide.
On Wednesday 22 September 2021, Mel Lane, former President of the Darlings, presented to members on the impact and achievements of the Kiva loan system. Many people in developing countries don’t have access to loans, particularly women. These loans facilitate sanitation, entrepreneurship, and community development, leading to positive outcomes for recipients, their families, and society.
Mel told members of her 2012 trip to Nepal, as a member of Sydney City Rotaract, where she saw these loans in action. She says that this was her ‘Rotary moment’, seeing the impact and talking to the recipients of these loans.
Following the presentation, the club made two new loans, to recipients in Honduras and Palestine. Our Club’s work on history and the broad of entrepreneurs we’ve been able to work with can be found at https://www.kiva.org/lender/rotarydarlingharbour
If you would like to make a donation to the Darling’s Kiva account, please do not hesitate to Mel at kiva@rotarydarlingharbour.org.au.
