A decade of growth and transformation for the Global Micro Initiative e.V. - Pioneering opportunities and driving change globally
In the heart of Southeast Asia, a German non-profit organisation named Global Micro Initiative e.V. is making a significant impact in people's lives, helping them escape the grip of poverty. Founded in 2014 by Tobias Schuessler, the organisation was birthed from a profound encounter with a child whose siblings had been sold by their parents[6].
The mission of Global Micro Initiative e.V. is simple yet profound: to empower individuals to improve their living conditions through self-help aid. This is achieved primarily by providing microloans combined with educational programs[1].
Microloans
By following the widely recognised model of microcredit, the initiative lends small amounts of money (typically $10 to a few hundred dollars) to individuals who lack access to traditional banking services[1]. These loans enable recipients to start or grow small businesses, buy necessary tools or seeds, and increase their economic productivity. A small loan can help a farmer buy a pump for irrigation or a street vendor acquire inventory to sell[1]. By doing so, the initiative helps clients generate steady income streams that lift them out of poverty[1].
Educational Programs
In addition to financial aid, Global Micro Initiative e.V. provides educational support tailored to enhance skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable development[2]. These may include learning enhancement programs, remedial teaching, and training in financial literacy or business skills, allowing borrowers to manage their loans effectively, scale their businesses, and improve household wellbeing[2].
This combined approach reflects best practices in poverty reduction by integrating financial inclusion with capacity building[3][5]. The educational programs enable beneficiaries to use financial resources more effectively, enhancing impacts such as increased income, independence, and social participation, notably among women and rural populations[3][5].
Success Stories
The approach has yielded remarkable results. In the Philippines, Noemi, a resident of Olongapo's trash mountain, was able to afford electricity after just a few months by selling cleaning and laundry products with the organisation's help[4]. Catherine, another recipient, received a microloan to open a small kiosk and later started a sewing business with additional help from the organisation[4].
Corona Aid Project
The Corona pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis led to a decline in donations and marked a turning point in the development of Global Micro Initiative e.V[7]. However, the organisation launched a corona aid project in Denpasar with a total volume of 50,000 euros[7]. With this project, a street sweeper named Swismara was able to start a bakery business and earn more than before[7]. The corona aid project provided microloans and individual consultations to 68 people who had fallen into poverty due to the pandemic[7].
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Global Micro Initiative e.V. plans to intensify its engagement in rural Lombok and the slums of Olongapo, focusing on individual consultations[8]. The demand for microloans on Nusa Penida has decreased, so the programme will close at the end of the year after repayment of any outstanding microloans[8]. The organisation is seeking more supporters to expand its services further[9]. Donation contact information is available for those who wish to support Global Micro Initiative e.V[9].
In summary, Global Micro Initiative e.V. is a beacon of hope for many, helping people escape poverty by issuing small loans that jumpstart income-generating activities, complemented by educational initiatives that empower clients with skills and knowledge for long-term economic success and self-reliance.
References: 1. https://www.kfz-betrieb.de/microfinance-loans-help-people-out-of-poverty/ 2. https://www.germanwatch.org/en/14676 3. https://www.globalmicroinitiative.org/en/about-us/ 4. https://www.germanwatch.org/en/14676 5. https://www.kfz-betrieb.de/microfinance-loans-help-people-out-of-poverty/ 6. https://www.germanwatch.org/en/14676 7. https://www.germanwatch.org/en/14676 8. https://www.germanwatch.org/en/14676 9. https://www.germanwatch.org/en/14676
Through the combined force of microloans and educational programs, Global Micro Initiative e.V. empowers individuals to better their lives and achieve self-development, ultimately escaping the clutches of poverty. By offering financial literacy and business skills training, this non-profit organization not only enhances the effectiveness of its microloans but also promotes long-term economic success and self-reliance among its beneficiaries.
