We live in a world that still has 2.5 billion people living below the poverty line.
In recent decades progress has been made in reducing poverty but it remains one of the key moral challenges of our day.
As Jim Wallis has said “Poverty is a moral issue, it’s a faith issue, it’s a religious issue.”
But why is poverty still an issue? So much has been attempted over recent decades. We have seen Live Aid and Bono, thousands of orphanages, food drops and so we rightly wonder why these, together, have not led to lasting change? What in fact is a better approach to development?
UnitingWorld is launching the West Timor: Now That’s Good Development DVD to showcase some exciting stories and introduce a range of development practices that are transforming communities in the nation’s border region and seeing the lasting alleviation of poverty.
UnitingWorld has been partnering with Tanaoba Lais Manekat Foundation (TLM) to provide small loans to community groups and individuals, empowering them to improve livelihood opportunities and create brighter futures.
The DVD includes stories such as that of Apner and Betty, who have been able to afford their daughters education due to the increased income from TLM’s cattle fattening project. For families like Apner and Betty’s there is opportunity and possibility.
The DVD also introduces entrepreneurs Yunnes and Anika who, through the program, have found that their small business skills in carpentry and food are crucial resources in escaping the poverty cycle.
UnitingWorld and TLM’s microfinance work is also one of three successful development projects supported by this years Transforming $1 into as much as $6 appeal. Through this video you can witness first-hand the transformation that this work brings.
Click here to read more about the West Timor Economic Empowerment.
See also our $1 for $6 Matching Gifts appeal which features this project
Tags: dvd, microfinance, West Timor
Great DVD! Visually interesting, very informative, thought provoking and positive.
An excellent DVD that demonstrates a self-sufficient approach to reducing poverty.
Only reservation is that it may misrepresent child sponsorship schemes which can also be community focussed.