Program: Purpose: Amount: Term: Start date: Location:

Microfinance Provide microfinance services and financial education to youth $4.4 million Three years December 2009 Mali and Ecuador

Why We Partnered

Founded in 1946, the mission of Freedom from Hunger is to bring innovative and sustainable self-help solutions to the fight against chronic hunger and poverty in developing countries. Its Credit with Education program integrates microfinance with health and business education aimed at poor women living in rural areas. Freedom from Hunger's programs reach nearly 1.5 million people in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

This program will develop, test and document innovations in the integration of financial services and education for youth between the ages of 13 and 24 in Mali and Ecuador. It will build the capacity of a range of microfinance providers to offer products and services that are appropriate for youth living in poverty. These services will enable and guide youth to establish and achieve financial goals, which will increase options for their future. Youth will be involved in the design, and potentially in the delivery of financial education and have a safe place to save money. Parents and community leaders will be educated on the importance of supporting youth in building financial skills and knowledge.

Anticipated Impact

• Provide integrated microfinance and financial education services to 37,000 youth
• Document, share and disseminate learnings to the microfinance and youth services industry