News

FMO and Day for Change jointly enhance access to microfinance

For the third year in row, FMO and Day for Change join hands to enhance access to microfinance in developing countries. Day for Change is a Dutch organization established in 2006 to raise awareness about microfinance in the Netherlands.  Besides that, the organization has developed a fund raising initiative in which primary schools from all over the Netherlands participate. While poverty reduction is the organization’s ultimate goal, Day for Change’s activities primarily aim to raise people’s self esteem and independence.

2008 was a successful year for Day for Change: 115 schools participated in the fund raising initiative. Dutch school children were encouraged to set up their own microfinance business. Together, they raised a total amount of EUR 64,500.  Bert Koenders, Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation, doubled this amount which was donated to various microfinance institutions. One of these institutions was MicroCred Madagaskar, an FMO client that provides credit to small enterprises. The donation enables MicroCred to open more branches in the country, especially in rural areas. In doing so, more entrepreneurs will be able to get access to a microloan. 

Other supporters of Day for Change are Triodos, Oxfam Novib, ICCO, Cordaid, Hivos, ASN Bank and Oikocredit.

For more information about Day for Change please visit: www.dayforchange.nl