Langlands Primary is engaged in an entrepreneurial project involving Kiva, a micro-lending platform that empowers individuals to support entrepreneurs worldwide. The team of primary school students meets weekly to research and select businesses to lend money, learning valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and global citizenship. They encourage others to participate in Kiva to help lift people out of poverty by lending micro-loans.

1. The project at Langlands Primary in Angus An entrepreneurial approach to international education

2. “ Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man a fishing rod and he eats for life”.

3. What is Kiva? It is an internet-based not-for-profit organisation It is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. This system lets you lend to an entrepreneur in the developing world – helping them to lift themselves out of poverty.

5. Who is in the Kiva team at Langside Primary? Patrick Allardice Robbie Gooderham Eilidh Wilson Fraser Cornford Jodie Duff Mhairi Ferrier They are all in Primary 6! They received $200 in Kiva vouchers from a local business, Forfar Removals

6. How were they chosen? They completed an application form 12 children were chosen to go forward to interview They were interviewed by the retiring Kiva team who started this project in 08–09 and wanted the new team to be as passionate as they were about helping others The present team now continues the process every Tuesday at lunchtime for about 40 minutes. It is never enough and they always complain they run out of time!!.

7. What do they do? They have weekly business meetings and agree next steps They go on-line to view the Kiva website (usually with a partner) and look for new businesses to support After they have chosen someone and have investigated whether or not they are a good risk, they discuss it further with Mrs. Brown, their supporter If the group agree unanimously they proceed with the loan.

8. What happens to the money? The group lends $25 to each business they choose Over time, they accrue repayments

9. As investors, the team get regular updates and newsletters from kiva.org to let them know how the business is getting on The money is returned to them and they decide whether to withdraw it or re-loan to another business In other words they re-cycle money!!!!

10. They have supported entrepreneurs in many countries already... Peru Lebanon Uganda Kenya Tajikistan Ecuador Azerbaijan Herzegovina and many, many more!!!!

11. Some of the people they have supported

12. Links to Learning: Geography In the words of the pupils… “ We find the country we have chosen to support on a world map or the internet and add it to our display board. We then research some information like currency, capital city, population etc. That information is typed up and added as well. We have learned lots!”

13. Links to Skills Development: In the words of the pupils… “ We have learned the importance of good team work. Our communication skills have improved greatly. Our map work skills, computer skills and listening skills are much better. We are much more confident! We have learned how to be Global Citizens caring for others in our world!”

14. Future developments? Uptake from other Primary schools Involvement of additional businesses A prospective transition tool Considering uses within the curriculum Fact finding visit in Feb 2010 (DtS/LTS) New resource/guidance?

15. “ Help!”- a plea from the pupils (and me) We would like more people to take an interest in Kiva and for more people and countries to donate money to people less fortunate than themselves. If we can do it so can YOU!! Please encourage others to try Kiva for themselves. It is worth it.

16. Spreading the good news Log on to the Kiva website at www.Kiva.org for more information contact me: [email_address]