Rotary International’s theme for October is “Economic and Commercial Development.” There are many examples of how Rotarians worldwide become involved. One project I read about is a microloan program in Honduras.
The rural villages in the western highlands of Honduras are home to some of the poorest indigenous people in the country. This is where Marta Lopez lives. She’s a baker, using her small clay oven to sell up to 100 items a day. Higinia Reyes operated a corn mill, and Remigia Dominguez heads up a weaving co-op. They are supported by the Adelante Foundation, a microlender, who collaborates with Rotary International. This organization uses Rotary’s grant money not only to provide loans, but to develop materials and offer an ongoing education program for its clients. The loans are not made to individuals; they’re made to groups of borrowers. The members of a group support each other’s efforts, so if one member cannot make a payment the others make it for her…
This week, we’ll hear from Willamette University President Steve Thorsett, but he won’t be chatting about his presidency. Instead, he’ll share with us his discovery of a planet…
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