One Hen, a new children’s book, attempts to illuminate the poverty-reducing strategy of microfinance to children. More specifically, the book focuses on microcredit, a lending system for the poor who lack access to conventional banking. One Hen is written by Katie Smith Milway and published by A&C Black Publishers, Ltd.
The book features a Ghanaian young boy, Kojo, who quits school to help his mother collect wood after his father’s death. However, all is not lost; when Kojo’s mother receives a micro-loan from her neighbors, she gives a few remaining coins to Kojo. This enables Kojo to buy a chicken and sell the eggs at the market. Kojo is soon able to repay his mother, has 25 chickens, and saves enough money to return to school. As Kojo grows, so does his farm and the benefits to his village.
Not just an inspiring children’s tale, One Hen is based on the life of Kwabena Darko, who himself overcame poverty and founded Sinapi Aba (Mustard Seed) Trust (SAT), a nonprofit microfinance institution and affiliate member of Opportunity International Network (ONI). Like Kojo, Darko lost his father early on but through a scholarship was able to attend college and start a poultry business. In his success, Darko never forgot the importance of microlending and began to give microloans through SAT. Darko also currently sits on the board of ONI, which serves over 1 million clients in 28 developing countries.
SAT was founded in 1994 and provides microfinance services in Ghana. As of June 2007, SAT had USD 11.7 million of total assets and a gross loan portfolio of USD 8.2 million, serving over 49,000 clients of which 92% are women. SAT reported an ROA of 2.86% and a ROE of 5.0% in 2005.
Aside from writing, Milway has worked on community development through the Christian relief and development organization Food for the Hungry in Latin America and Africa. She has also consulted on village banking in West Africa through World Vision, a nonprofit Christian organization.
By Jennifer Lee
Additional Resources:
CNW Group: “Microfinance Featured in New Children’s Book.”
Sinapi Aba Trust: SAT
Opportunity International Network: ONI
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