Support Microfinance in Haiti
Haiti is the least-developed country in the Western Hemisphere: about 80 percent of the population lives in abject poverty, and a staggering two out of three Haitians are unemployed.
To escape this poverty, Haiti needs microfinance. That's why we're asking you to urge former President Bill Clinton, the U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti to make microfinance the key to development efforts in Haiti.
Through microfinance, small loans enable hard-working women to open small businesses that let them feed and shelter their families. Just a few dollars a day in added income can mean children do not have to go to bed hungry, can see a doctor and go to school.
Slowly, the insidious cycle of poverty is broken.
President Clinton recently returned from his third mission to Haiti as UN Special Envoy. At the top of his priorities is sustainable job creation. Tell him that there is no better way to create sustainable jobs in places like Haiti than microfinance. Ask him to make sure women and the poor are not left out of economic development efforts.
As you know, Haiti is the least-developed country in the Western Hemisphere. A staggering two out of three Haitians are unemployed and about 80 percent of the population lives in poverty.
As U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti, you've made clear that one of your top priorities is sustainable job creation. I urge you to consider that there is no better way to create sustainable jobs in places like Haiti than by supporting microfinance programs.
Small microfinance loans are used to start and expand small businesses that employ individuals, support families and improve the local community. Microfinance is a proven means of breaking the insidious cycle of poverty forever.
You have long been an ally in promoting microfinance to create jobs and change lives. Now with your focus on Haiti, you have the opportunity to expand the benefits of microfinance in the country.
You've said in the past "...that Haiti has a remarkable opportunity to escape its past. There is a deep, wide sense that we can -- and should -- support [Haiti]." The way to do that is through microfinance. And at the same time, we can then make sure that women and the poor are not left out of economic development efforts.
Thank you for your time.
