I am a big fan of the concept of micro-finance and also of finding ways to get my kids involved in philanthropy. For the five to twelve-year-old set (alas, none of mine qualify) One Hen is worth a visit. It is based on a children's book but the site teaches children about microfinance and gives them a way to participate in it. They play games on the site and earn "beads" which are translated into actual loans in the real world for small-business ventures in the developing world. It's a sweet site and a lot less work than a lemonade stand!
July 14, 2008
This is a wonderful site. Thank you!
Posted by: robin | July 14, 2008 at 12:15 PM
What a great idea! My son is completely obsessed with STUFF and how he can get more STUFF and what does the STUFF cost and can I please please please buy him more STUFF (no), and this sounds like something he could a) enjoy and b) use to maybe gain a little perspective.
Parenting by stealth!
Posted by: wrh | July 14, 2008 at 03:12 PM
fascinating. my kid's too small, but she has cousins...
Posted by: magpie | July 14, 2008 at 06:09 PM
LOVE it. thank you.
Posted by: jen | July 14, 2008 at 07:22 PM
It's a great idea; we got a goat for Xmas from supermum's sister in a similar context. I think dudelet got a chicken, though it was very difficult (he was under four at the time) to explain the concept to him.
Posted by: (un)relaxeddad | July 15, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Oh no! Don't tell me that lemonade stands are antiquated!
The world has become entirely too digital!
Posted by: mizmell | July 15, 2008 at 06:25 PM