Dalit Freedom Network Canada

This month, in lieu of writing a Project update we are inviting you to share your thoughts, opinions, and stories. We are asking you to write a comment on this page telling us and other readers why you support this particular project. What is it about micro-loans that interests you? What made you decide to get involved?

The staff of DFN Canada truly believes that you are as much a part of what is happening in India as we are. We are very thankful to have you as part of the team.

Let us know why this cause caught your attention!

One type of loan that is commonly distributed in India is funds for the purchase of a female buffalo. Acquiring a buffalo is transformative for an impoverished family. Calves can be sold for nearly the same amount as the initial buffalo, meaning the loan is quickly repaid. The buffalo produces milk that can be sold daily. What’s more, in a time of crisis the buffalo could itself be sold to provide immediate income. Most families have no means of acquiring funds quickly; because of this, families are forced to incur debts that necessitate bonded labour to pay off, or are even put in a position where their own option is to sell a child. Buffaloes are a simple, relatively inexpensive, incredible way to make a difference in India – helping one family at a time break the chains of poverty. 

The majority of students at VLK school were dramatically affected by the tsunami in 2004. In addition to losing relatives and homes, many families lost their means of income. The staff at VLK are working hard to help the community in different creative ways. So far the school has distributed over $5000 in loans to 25 affected families. With these start-up funds, individuals have started businesses such as a small hotel, a general store, a cloth store, fishing boat repair, and selling spices. In this way the school is having a significant impact on the entire community, as well as the students. 

Now at the end of its second year, NDG school is in a place to begin impacting the community in a more significant way. The manager is currently receiving applications from villagers, primarily parents of the school’s students, for micro-loans to start their own small businesses. Prospective businesses include a meat shop, purchase of a buffalo, a tea shop, a tailoring shop, and a barber shop. If approved, these applicants will receive loans proportionate to the need of their start-up costs. A loan would dramatically help each of these individuals and their families to begin earning a stable income, thus lifting themselves out of poverty.