Perthshire pupils helping third world businesses

Micro loaning can change lives

Enterprising Perthshire schoolchildren are helping entrepreneurs in third world countries to escape poverty by backing chosen businesses with micro loans.

Pupils from Craigie and Oakbank primary schools in Perth, supported by Rotary clubs of Perth and Kinnoull, are participating in the revolutionary Lendwithcare programme started by Care International UK which fights poverty and injustice globally.

Working through Rotakids, the children are helping individuals in low-income countries to work their way out of poverty by supplying vital finance in the shape of micro loans, which can be as modest as £15, but make an accumulative difference through the Lendwithcare programme.

Rotary clubs’ support

Not only do the children choose the projects to back, they monitor the loans to see how each small entrepreneur is faring.

Remarkably, 58 of Craigie primary’s loans have already been paid back, with only 2 defaulting out of 145. Their work, financially supported by Rotary Club of Kinnoull, has helped a total of 332 entrepreneurs so far.

Not only is this helping to make a difference, it is teaching the pupils vital skills in micro finance and business, something this website is highly supportive of – (well done, kids – and teachers!).

Fighting poverty with dignity

Similarly, the Rotakids of Oakbank primary have started on their micro financing journey, financially supported by Rotary Club of Perth, and have provided 11 loans within Africa and Southeast Asia. Already, loan repayments are beginning to come back.

Bev McNab, Teacher at Craigie primary, said: “Lendwithcare has provided classes with excellent opportunities to discuss a range of topics, including the challenges people around the world are facing, sustainable development goals, enterprise and the challenges of running a small business.

“Our classes enjoy selecting entrepreneurs to support, following their progress and seeing the money come back in so that they can support more.”

Over at Oakbank, the feeling is the same.

Jill Burton, Deputy Head Teacher, said: “The pupils and staff have all been very excited about the potential to support a range of groups across a large number of countries.

“Our pupils often choose an entrepreneur who is developing a business, on a topic close to the class’s learning.”