Fears for Samoa
I know the 30-days-of-text thing didn’t work out so well this year – I’ve been busy and struck down with severe exhaustion I’m hoping to alleviate with iron tablets and looking after myself a little better. That said, given my failure, I’m pledging to be a little more on track with things again: keeping up to date with my correspondences, my housework, and other obligations (this blog included). And while a lot of things have been happening for me lately, one big piece of news has really hit me today.
As many may have heard, a devastating tsunami was generated in Samoa today after a massive earthquake struck this morning. After visiting Fiji last year, I was struck by a mural on the side of a school building in Nadi: displayed prominently were all the flags of the Pacific nations, including the Australian flag. How many of us think of ourselves as Pacific citizens? When we think of our neighbours we think of New Zealand, and maybe Papua New Guinea or East Timor or Indonesia. But it really struck me how much we dismiss our smaller neighbours as just a pretty place to have a cheap holiday or a wedding when the people welcomed us, included us and even randomly hugged us (ask my sister!) with nothing but sincerity.
That is why, on my return, I wanted to get a little more involved in helping where there was need. One of the ways that I’ve already mentioned on this blog is Kiva, and I made a promise to have at least a quarter of my loans going to Samoa (or other Pacific nations should they be added). After checking in on the location of the five Samoan women I have deep concerns for two: Vaoa Fuga and Grace Malama, both from villages in the south of the main island, Upolu. According to this map, there is a good chance they were right in the wave’s path and I really hope both are safe along with their families and their villages.
(For further info and to lend support, see The Red Cross; consider supporting Save the Children, an organisation that works in the Pacific region, or consider lending to Samoan Kiva entrepreneurs in the future when the current situation settles down and more information is available. Not only have resorts – a valuable source of income – been levelled, but many plantations and villages too, leaving many to rebuild their livelihoods.)
Spread the Good Stuff
I was tipped off onto Kiva today and it seems like a pretty good deal. Lenders from around the world pitch in a little (usually $25US) to a microloan which goes to people in developing nations who need capital for things such as stock, tools and other resources to help them earn for themselves. There is an emphasis on women-run projects and co-operatives, and Kiva work with local microfinance organisations to disburse these funds. The recipients then pay back the loan by the end of the term (all things going well), and you receive your $25 back to then re-donate or withdraw.
I was impressed by the detail on each project and Field Partner, the fact they work with reputable organisations like Save the Children, and work in the Pacific. I find it really difficult, as an Australian, that we’re doing so well, even in these “uncertain times”, yet many in our local region struggle for just the basics we take for granted.
One disappointment for me is that my dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to – just a few weeks ago $25US was nothing, and now it’s getting close to $40AUS – but despite our crappy currency, this seems to be a great way of practically helping people who are really affected by the global economic and food crises.
Anyway, check out my profile here, and if you’ve got a few spare dollars consider helping someone out!
