For those that haven't heard of Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank

It's a tough climb out of poverty...

Grameen Bank began with a simple but revolutionary concept: Loan poor people money on terms that are suitable to them and encourage them to use savings and sound financial principles so they can achieve financial self-sufficiency. It was created in 1976 when Professor Muhammad Yunus, then head of the Rural Economics Program at the University of Chittagong, loaned $27 from his own pocket to 42 people. The borrowers repaid his small loans promptly and inspired Yunus to establish the Grameen Bank Project, which was transformed into an independent bank by in 1983. The bank is founded on a belief that credit is a basic human right and that borrowers are not simply borrowing from a bank, but are committed to a philosophy built upon four core principles: discipline, unity, courage and hard work.

As of June 2010, Grameen Bank has disbursed more than $9.4 billion to over 8.1 million borrowers, 97% of whom are women. There are now 141 Grameen replication projects in 38 countries. The Grameen concept has created an effective and sustainable response to world poverty and the Bank's success has advanced the concept of microcredit around the globe.

In 2006, Professor Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for their efforts to create economic and social development from below." In 2009, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Barack Obama.

"New York City is the world capital of banking. In these skyscrapers, they control world finance. What I pointed out is that they do the banking with the world but they don't do the banking with their neighbors. We are here to show that there is nothing wrong with doing banking with neighbors. So we hope we will create some confidence in them. If we change the banks' mind, the whole world will change." - Muhammad Yunus, May 17, 2010, Grand Opening of Grameen America's Manhattan branch

Grameen America opened its doors in New York City in January 2008. The nonprofit organization was founded upon the belief that the system with remarkable results in the villages of Bangladesh could work in America to serve the 40 million people who live below the poverty line and have no access to banks and mainstream financial institutions.

Grameen America has experienced considerable growth in less than 3 years, lending over $12M in micro-loans to over 5000 borrowers across 3 branches in New York City and one in Omaha, Nebraska.

For more information visit  http://grameenamerica.org/

LCU Foundation

I was ecstatic when I found out that I was a LCU grant recipient that I cannot go on without giving proper recognition. This post is dedicated to the foundation that gave me a free ride my last year as a grad student, 2012-2013.

LCU Foundation's mission is to award grants that ease the burden of New York City housing costs for promising women students preparing for careers that serve the community.It is truly remarkable that the LCU Foundation has been helping women financially for over 150 years. For an organization that was able to sustain through wars, the great depression, recessions and changes in government while aiding in women movements, it was only seen fit to research the orgins of an organization with profound longevity.

History: 

 LCU is so rich in history that is noteworthy to share. In 1858, a group of New York women led by Mrs. Marshall Orme Roberts saw the need for safe, affordable housing for young single women working New York City. They organized the Ladies' Christian Union, to meet this pressing need.  They raised money to buy brownstone buildings and convert them into housing for young working women.

They opened their first house in a rented property at what is now West 3rd Street (my neighborhood!!) and in 1860 opened its doors to "young ladies who are supporting themselves by their own exertions," charging each $3 to $3.50 a week for room and board. By the mid-twentieth century, they were managing six houses in New York City.
 
In 2000, LCU decided to sell these houses to establish an endowment fund. It was with this fund that they would be able to provide New York City educational institutions with housing grants to assist female students in financial need. In 2003, the LCU officially became known as the LCU Foundation- a secular, non-profit private foundation.

I am very much grateful for the LCU Foundation. Thank you!

Net's Star Supports Urban Dove

The Urban Dove is doing some great things.

Brooklyn Net's basketball player, Brook Lopez, is a fan of Urban Dove and Urban Dove Team Charter School! Brook visited UD Team Charter School yesterday, and together with ADIDAS, generously donated $5000 to our school!

http://www.urbandove.org/

New York Cares Day

 April 21 2012

The High School for Public Service Youth Farm provides fresh affordable food for the community, while providing educational and employment opportunities for youth and adults.
The Farm is a base for new experiential school curriculum, serving as an outdoor classroom and a catalyst for education from cooking and nutrition to migrant labor rights and trade policy.
Student farmers work during the summer on the farm, learning about sustainable agriculture and community leadership. I will be one of then rolling up my sleeves and getting dirty to help clean up the city

Actions speak louder than words!"