Alay Buhay - Kiwis caring for the Philippines
by Tenille Bergin, Committee Member
The charming nature of the Filipino people was the inspiration behind the establishment of the Alay Buhay Education Foundation Inc (ABEFI) in 1987. Founder Stephen Tindall was so touched by the people of the Philippines - and the abject poverty that so many are entrenched in - he wanted to find a way to help as best he could.
ABEFI started with the sponsorship of an orphanage in Metro Manila in 1987. With the help of a local, Lucy Logan, the new organisation was able to touch the lives of many children in the one place. Over time the sponsorship moved from one place to several areas, helping children outside the orphanage. The mantra behind ABEFI has always been about giving those who live in poverty a help-up, not a handout. In keeping with this, the education sponsorship has always been a supplement - an opportunity for parents to receive help to send their children who would not normally have the chance, to go to school.
The Philippines is a place where education is a necessity if you want to suceed. The education that Mr Tindall and ABEFI have made possible over the years is immeasurable in its value. It is almost impossible to put a price on, or 'chart' the success of giving a child the chance at an education. Over the last 17 years, ABEFI has sponsored the education of more than 2000 children through elementary school right up to university. While you can't put a price on this, or gauge its value in ways we are used to - charts, profits, loses - you can see the changes and gratitude in children as they continue their education and put it to use.
In 2002, ABEFI ventured into the area of micro-enterprise. By loaning small amounts to mainly women in poorer areas, we are able to make tangible differences to the lives of our micro-finance partners.
Loans start at Ps500 (NZ$17) and partners pay these loans off at a minimal interest over a period of three months. As well as paying the loan at a weekly meeting, partners are also obliged to make payments into their saving accounts. This encourages the habit of putting money away each week, so there will be something available in times of need. The interest rate of 20% over a payment period of six months means partners have an option with ABEFI that will not cripple then further, as so many other lenders do. The profit from these interest payments has been reinvested to enable others to join the ABEFI micro-enterprise scheme. The most rewarding thing about micro-lending is witnessing the tangible differences in people - their approach to life, their confidence and enthusiasm - as they successfully pay off their loans, build their small businesses and establish a savings that is theirs and theirs alone. We have seen some amazing success stories over the last few years and there is a substantial ongoing demand for our services.
Coping with this demand is the goal of ABEFI over the next few years - making small loans available to as many people as possible. One by one, Filipinos living in poverty are being given opportunities and it is fulfilling to see it unfolding before our eyes.
For more information about ABEFI or to hear about individual success stories (we'd love to hear from you), please contact: Neil Barr, +64 09 4868617, [email protected]; Tennille Bergin, 021 460300, [email protected] or Bert Ricacho, +64 09 4425688, [email protected].