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One Hen - How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference

Author : Katie Smith Milway Number of Pages : 32 Publisher : Kids Can Press

Product Description

Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many. After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen. A year later, Kojo has built up a flock of 25 hens. With his earnings Kojo is able to return to school. Soon Kojo's farm grows to become the largest in the region. Kojo's story is inspired by the life of Kwabena Darko, who as a boy started a tiny poultry farm just like Kojo's, which later grew to be the largest in Ghana, and one of the largest in west Africa. Kwabena also started a trust that gives out small loans to people who cannot get a loan from a bank. One Hen shows what happens when a little help makes a big difference. This help comes in the form of a microloan, a lending system for people in developing countries who have no collateral and no access to conventional banking. Microloans have begun to receive more media attention in recent years. In 2006 Muhammad Yunus, a Bangledeshi economist who pioneered microloan banking, won the Nobel Peace Prize.The final pages of One Hen explain the microloan system and include a list of relevant organizations for children to explore.

Customer reviews

Grandchildren by .. A. Hagler (Tennessee)
Two of my grandchildren read this inspiring story to the third grandchild and me as we made dinner. After the meal, we decided to send money to one of the opportunity companies. Each grandchild contributed $2.50 of their chore money they had earned by raking leaves, moving gravel, cooking, and picking up sticks. Thanks to all those responsible for this book.


Ann Rauscher Hagler

great introduction to giving for kids by .. Mary J. Devore (Bend,OR.)
This book is a great way for families to teach their children about the value of giving and the effect a small kindness or gift may have on many lives. The illustrations are an added plus. It is a good and easy introduction into microfinance and how one person can help make the world a better place

A Great Read for All Ages by .. Mark Wan (NY, NY)
This book is terrific. We can so easily fall into thinking that our world is limited to the things we see everyday, and the book is a great journey through what life is like in so many parts of the world today.



I recommend reading this with your kids, your students (if you have any), and even just for your own personal enjoyment.



Also, the book has sparked a great website as well, which helps to educate young and old on the merits of microloans -- http://www.onehen.org.

Great resource and education for global poverty and micro-finance by .. Book (Beverly, MA)
This little children's book shows how big the world is. One Hen simplistically shares a personal story of a little boy who buys a hen and how it impacted his life, family, entire village, and country. Beyond just micro-finance, One Hen communicates global poverty, community development, family values, charity and justice issues. helpful to begin educating American children in a "me, me" culture about not just giving to those who are poor and disenfranchised but how to give in such a way that has sustainable, holistic effects on an individual and community.