Thursday, April 9, 2009

One Hen microfinance for kids

Here is another great clickschooling. The kids enjoyed the story and games!


OneHen.org
http://www.onehen.org

Age Range: 4-104

This website offers free lessons and activities about
microfinance for kids (and their families) - and much more!
Microfinance is the practice of providing financial tools,
education, and loans to those people living in poverty. The
website is a companion to the popular children's book called
"One Hen" that tells the story (inspired by true events) of a
boy from Ghana, Africa named Kojo, who receives a small loan
and buys a hen. It leads to a series of events that improves
the lives of many.

When you get to the website you can learn the story of Kojo
and watch a video about the inspiring life of Kwabena Darko
(the real Kojo). (Turn your speakers on to hear narration and
African music.) Then, explore the menu that includes:

*For Parents - Get an explanation of microfinance and learn
about organizations that can help finance small loans to
entrepreneurial individuals and families around the world. Not
only that, but if you click on "Kids As Social Entrepreneurs"
within this section, you'll discover how your child (age 12
and up) can apply to receive a $1000 grant along with guidance
to start a business that will benefit your community.

*For Teachers and Librarians - Get free lesson plans and
activities (in downloadable pdf format) that explore themes
such as world geography, community service, life cycles,
natural resources, global citizenship, African culture, math,
economics, and business. There is also an online quiz -
although you'd need to read the book to be able to answer the
questions. Of course, you can purchase the book at the site
(via Amazon.com) - you can also request it at your local
library. Note: Many of the activities here do not require you
to have read the book, although doing so would add meaningful
context.

This website's information and activities provides children
and their families with food for thought and action. It brings
up great family discussion topics like poverty, charity,
responsibility, business, finance, community development, and
how to help the poor and disenfranchised in a sustainable way.

The concept of lending money to people in developing countries
who have no collateral and no access to conventional banking
is a real conversation starter. For example, did you know that
in 2006 Muhammad Yunus, a Bangledeshi economist who pioneered
microloan banking, won the Nobel Peace Prize? You can learn
more about him and other people and organizations who are
making a difference by exploring this website.

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
http://www.ClickSchooling.com

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