As most of you know, I spent my entire summer working on CMF's microenterprising program in Nairobi. We met tons of people, mostly single mothers, who were trying to start their own businesses to support their families. We worked on getting their stories and turning them into short profiles so CMF could create a sponsorship website for people in the States to financially support these small businesses. It's really a great program. You donate a little money, they pay you back as they pay back their loan, and you can take that money and then re-invest it in someone else who needs it. It's really an awesome program and I encourage you all to look into it! We met amazing people and heard some amazing stories and it was a really great overall experience. But I've already talked about that more than enough and I don't think anyone really cares to hear me repeat myself so many times over.
HOWEVER. There has recently been a new development in my summer project! CMF made a video about their microfinancing program to advertise for their sponsorship website launch and here it is!!!
http://vimeo.com/16473030
I can't even begin to tell you how amazing it was to see this video after all the work we put into this project over the summer. It was seriously overwhelming to see these people again. I recognized the kids playing in the streets and the women in the groups. I met these people and talked to them and now, because enough people worked together on this, they're going to have the opportunity to make their businesses grow beyond what they could've ever imagined. They could break the cycle of poverty in their lives and their families lives. These loans could literally change their children's entire futures. It's SO AMAZING to see this and know that I had a part in it (even if it was a tiny part). Seeing this video gave me a real sense of purpose, you know? Like I actually did something important, something that was bigger than myself. It's a pretty cool feeling, to be honest :)
So anyways, I just wanted to share this and let everyone see a glimpse of what I did all summer! And if you are so inclined, feel free to visit BigDent.org! The new site isn't launched just yet, but you can put your e-mail address in and they'll let you know when it's up and running! So watch the video, look at the website, and enjoy :)
