Microfinance and MicroFranchises A Solution to Poverty

With the rise of the morning sun, most of us awake to a day of possibilities, but for those in extreme poverty daybreak brings only anxiety and despair as they try to survive on little to nothing. Over one billion people are currently living in extreme poverty, unable to fathom a future free from hunger, disease and oppression. Extreme poverty, defined as living on $1.25 a day or less, traps generations into an arduous existence with few opportunities to escape. Helping to eliminate extreme poverty means first understanding that it is possible to provide people with a pathway out and if it is possible, we therefore have the responsibility to do so. Millions die each year as a result of extreme poverty. While few would argue that we†¦show more content†¦This, however, can be a daunting task if the government is riddled with corruption or benefits from the disenfranchisement of certain segments of the population. Goals must clearly be established to reward governments wh o work to uphold human rights and denied to those who do not. For example, if a government wishes to qualify for assistance or debt forgiveness they should be expected to meet certain human rights achievements. As rates of health and education increase, so too do the rates of financial assistance or debt forgiveness. If human rights records are not improved, further funding is denied to those ill performing governments and redirected to community-based programs aimed at improving the well being of its members. Community groups play an invaluable role in alleviating poverty within a region. Creating an alliance with the community allows them to express their ideas, concerns and opinions. It protects against the unforeseen challenges and misused resources that can result if local customs or markets are overlooked as the development plan is formulated. The establishment of these community groups helps to identify and preserve cultural memes and additionally supplies the members with a sense of confidence as they are respected for the contributions they have to offer. Extreme poverty pushes its victims to the outer-perimeters of society, excluding them from local-level decision making and contributing to a sense of powerlessness and