Bellarmine students establish H.O.P.E. Initiative in Belize

March 3-10, 2007, Bellarmine University students, along with Louisville Rotarians traveled to Belize to work with the Rotary Club of Belmopan, Rotaract, and the students of the University of Belize to initiate a microlending credit program. Modeled after the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winning Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, the Rotary H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Everywhere) Initiative hopes to provide small loans to those who would not normally have access to credit.

This project is strictly volunteer based and starting from the ground up. This allows the Rotary H.O.P.E. Initiative to have lower interest rates. The members of this initiative hope to increase the quality of life for the recipients and help them receive daily necessities while gaining confidence.

Collaboration with the Rotary Club of Belmopan, Rotaract Clubs of Belize, and the University of Belize students, will allow the recipients of the loans to receive training, support, and education throughout the loan process.

The 2007 Bellarmine University Participants include: Beth Grammer, Lauren Guetig, Megan Larkin, Ashley Rice, Maria Arlinghaus, Anna Ament, and Molly Holzkhenct

For more information, contact Beth Grammer at bgrammer01@bellarmine.edu or Megan Larkin at mlarkin01@bellarmine.edu.