Which is better, loaning money 3rd world entrepreneurs, or giving money to the homeless?

Question

The popularity of Kiva ( http://www.kiva.org/app.php ) brings up an interesting question. What makes more sense, throwing good money after...well...maybe bad, or giving loans to industrious entrpreneurs in Africa who can stimulate the domestic economy?

Nietzsche would support Kiva before funding any of the mirade of give-away charities.

Im not saying its wrong to give to charities which merely treat the symptoms as opposed to cause, but as a matter of choice, in my mind, its not even close.

Buffet just gave a truckload of bucks to the Gates foundation which deals with disease in third world countries. I know some of the money goes into R&D, but all the same, I would have preferred every dime of it go to Kiva.

Answer 1

Thats a heck of a point. I have always given to charities thinking there wasn't much else I could do for countries that are basically a disaster. I did not realize that there was an organization that did this kind of work.

Anyone who knows anything about the economy knows that small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit is good for everyone.... they will create jobs so the poor can feed themselves.

Give a person a fish they can eat for a day. Give them a fishing pole and teach them they can eat the rest of their life. Thanks for informing me on Kiva.

Answer 2

I am totally for this movement of microfinancing. Fortunately, it's mainly run by organizations that support humanity and are not in it for the profit, at least not yet.

Giving money to the homeless does not stimulate any response to having them become independent - it actually makes them less. Microfinancing in turn allows an individual to really strive for individual success by giving them the opportunity to create a change in their lives. They're allowed to pursue dreams that they may never have had due to lack of any kind of financial support. and on a broader scale, it totally plays a positive impact in the economy.

Answer 3

There are always more than two options and things are not black and white. You need to examine any organization thoroughly and not just accept their promo material as fact. Know that any organization will color the data to flatter themselves.

There are ways to help the homeless with out giving them money. you could volunteer TIME at any service organization. most people need someone they can talk to and get ideas from and to be motivated to help themselves. They are more likely to do better when they have FRIENDS or a friend who can guide them tword better lifestyle choices.

Answer 4

There are extremely few success stories dealing with microloans in the developing world.

KIVA is just a lot of hype, meant for people to soothe their conscience about not wanting to give money to people they can actually meet.

Nietzche would not support funding Kiva. He would cal it like I just did--trying to soothe your conscience than truly effecting change.

Answer 5

It would be very interesting to know how you would treat the causes of world poverty, disease, and oppression.

Nietzche was a very depressed individual, and philosophy will never change the world.

Answer 6

well entrepreneurs will eventually find a way to make money so give money to the poor or on the other hand...everyone is donating to charity so do what you think is best

Answer 7

that is a tough question, both can be fraudulent

I hear about "beggars" who drive Escalades. and entreprenuers who spend it all and give the poor none

I'd go with 3rd world people, they need it more

I'd just give it to a charity though

Answer 8

Are those the only options we get, or might there be a third: I keep my money where I can see it, until I buy something I want with it.