Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

The move from aid to enterprise in poor nations of the world is a "massive shift", to be welcomed according to Lord Carey of Clifton.

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, and current Foundation Board member of the World Economic Forum went on to say that “unlocking local talent and enterprise provides a dignifying and sustainable way out of poverty.” 

The remarks were made on 12 October at the Autumn Conference of Five Talents the Christian microfinance charity who provide savings schemes, small loans and business training in marginalised communities around the world. Lord Carey was one of the founding sponsors of Five Talents and re-stated his commitment to the work.

The conference also featured Dr Peter Heslam, Director of Transforming Business, a research and development project at Cambridge University focused on enterprise solutions to poverty.

The conference was hosted by top law firm and corporate supporters of Five Talents, Simmons and Simmons and was sold out three weeks early. The theme of the conference was 'Smaller, Poorer, Riskier' reflecting Five Talents work in 11 countries and the priority given to post-conflict and marginalised communities.

UK Director, Tom Sanderson said “Enterprise doesn’t just happen on its own. Someone has to provide the financial fabric for a poor community to save, borrow and invest in their businesses. That’s why we are here”

Notes to Editors:

Five Talents is the specialist Christian microfinance initiative launched by Anglican Church in 1998.

The charity currently supports nearly 40,000 people (two-thirds of whom are women) through microfinance partners in 11 countries in the developing world.

Five Talents aims to fight poverty in the developing world by creating jobs. This is achieved by providing business training, small loans and savings programmes.

The loans start at £26 and average just £56. Loan repayment rates are over 93%.

Microfinance develops local economies and encourages independence rather than dependency on grants. Typical businesses supported include farming, dressmaking, retailing, hair-dressing and brick-making. Each loan positively impacts a number of additional people once family members and employees are taken into account.

The Charity’s name is taken from the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) in which the “good and faithful servant” takes the Master’s five talents and through effort and initiative gains five more.

Five Talents’ partners provide services to local communities irrespective of religion or tribe, based on need not creed.

A registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1113969) and a 501(c)3 non-profit in the USA.

For more information in the UK please contact:

www.fivetalents.org.uk

Tom Sanderson
UK Director
07914 855 613
tom.sanderson@fivetalents.org.uk