International (MNN) ― A new children's book tells the story of microfinance, and how one young Ghanaian used it to transform his community. That man is now part of the ministry of Opportunity International.
The story of One Hen is inspired by the life story of Opportunity International's Dr. Kwabena Darko, chairman of the Ghana board and member of the Opportunity International Board.
Book author Katie Smith Milway* says, "It occurred to me that microfinance is just a terrific entry point for kids into the world international development because it creates change that any child that has run a lemonade stand can understand."
One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many.
After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son.
With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen. A year later, Kojo has built up a flock of 25 hens. With his earnings, Kojo is able to return to school. Soon Kojo's farm grows to become the largest in the region.
In addition to the book, Opportunity International has an interactive website, OneHen.org where kids can be part of a virtual market. "Kids can actually invest the beads they earn in entrepreneurs who are depicted in this virtual market, see their stories progress as they are financed, and then, for every bead a child gives online, it's going to trigger a small donation."
The site, which goes fully live on May 9th, includes information for parents to donate money, as well as curriculum and downloadable exercises for teachers and librarians provided by publisher Kids Can Press, which brings the book's teachings to life.
Kids learn that with one small loan, an entrepreneur in a developing nation has the ability to build a business and a future for her or his family.
In doing so, they begin to share the hope of Christ. "I do think that building compassion and building these kinds of values in kids is helping them touch a part of Christ that they won't touch, at least North American kids, who are 'haves,' won't touch, without really reaching out to 'have nots.'"
*About the author: Katie has coordinated community development programs in Africa and Latin America for Food for the Hungry, consulted on village banking in West Africa with World Vision and was a delegate to the 1992 Earth Summit.
Her first children’s book was Cappuccina Goes to Town. One Hen is her second book for children.
