"I applaud the work of Five Talents... We need more institutions like Five Talents and fewer institutions such as Citibank, Deutsche Bank and other profit-motivated entities who see the poor as walking dollar bills to enrich them and their shareholders."

Hugh Sinclair, author of "Confessions of a Microfinance Heretic," commenting on a YourStory.in article on Five Talents' approach to micro-enterprise development

 

“Microfinance is now center stage of the development agenda. The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a Bangladeshi microfinance bank and its founder - the Peace prize, not the Economics prize. This testifies to the broad impact that microfinance has on communities and livelihoods, helping the poor while preserving their dignity.

"Microfinance works. It is aligned with personal interests and responsibilities, while the group method brings accountability, and the savings component encourages planning. It is also an extremely cost-effective means of contributing to the Millennium Development Goals. The Church has a distinct advantage in delivering microfinance services, through its local presence, credibility and network. I am pleased that Five Talents joins those who are taking forward this vital work in the worldwide Communion."

Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
International Patron of Five Talents

 

"My wife and I have been attracted to the concept of microfinance for a while. We like to be involved in Jesus' call to social justice (systemic change) as well as mercy (alleviating suffering). Microfinance seems to be an excellent way to bring about sustainable change in less privileged communities. It is also important for us that money is distributed in the name of Jesus. Not that this means there are strings attached, but that people know that this money is made available because of God's love for them, expressed through believers. Of the Christian microfinance organizations, Five Talents appeared to be the most well-established.”

Peter J. Helm
Coquitlam, British Columbia