60 People, 60 Stories

Micro efforts, macro changes

By Leonard Perriard (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-30 08:27

When I learned about the microfinance program of the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) two years ago, I was attracted by the concept of using microfinance as a tool to reduce poverty.

At CFPA, I am responsible for communicating with corporate donors on sponsored programs as well as introducing more resources to expand our existing programs.

Most people outside China have this stereotype that Chinese NGOs are conservative and serve the government's mission. It is hard to compare Chinese NGOs with foreign ones. Social welfare was a responsibility of the government until 1978, and the concept of the NGO did not fit into Chinese society at that time. After 30 years of economic reforms and modernization, the rapid progress and development of NGOs in China reflects the emergence of a dynamic civil society.

Citizens and corporations are more concerned about social needs, and their growing involvement influences policies. Changes in the government's policy during the past five years have allowed a number of Chinese and foreign NGOs to flourish in China.

The CFPA is a very innovative organization with a powerful microfinance methodology. We often invite foreign experts on microfinance to share their experiences with program design and evaluation. We also regularly consult our donors to learn how to better help the poor and to better engage volunteers.

It is satisfying to see the rapid development of the organization and to see that more people come to share our belief in microfinance. The latest example is that we just opened our first handicrafts shop on Wangfujing Street, where we sell handicrafts made by women in China's poorest rural areas.It is a significant step to engage more people in the cities to support our programs in a mutually beneficial way.

The most rewarding part of my job is to share the happiness of people who benefited from our programs!

Lonard Perriard is program officer, microfinance department, China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation.