What a difference a loan can make: micro enterprise development in the Philippines

Teachers' Notes

Click on the following links for further information about this case study:

Overview

This case study is designed to

1. raise awareness about how people seek to earn a living in developing countries
2. develop understanding about how Australia's overseas aid aims to decrease the number of people living in poverty, through a case study in the Philippines
3. encourage comparison and contrast with small business activities in Australia

Links with nationally developed statements and profiles

Studies of Society and Environment

Resources: use of resources, people and work, management and enterprise

Natural and social systems: economic systems

Process: investigation, communication and participation

Objectives:

Students will

• Understand some of the factors which affect resource use and employment opportunities in the Philippines
• Examine examples of micro enterprise development in the Philippines, and compare these with the process of setting up a small business in Australia
• Understand how Australia's aid program aims to decrease poverty through some of its community development projects

Preparation

Teachers may wish to do the following preparation prior to the activities:

• Obtain copies of local newspapers and business directories.
• Identify possible small business representatives to provide input to the class.
• Contact AusAID and non-government development agencies (see resource list)

Resources

World Vision Australia/AusAID, Keeping the Mountains Green, (video, 20 minutes, 1997) - the story of the two community development projects described in this case study. Available for sale ( ) or for loan through the World Vision office in your capital city.

World Vision Australia, Philippines in focus - 12 pages of more detailed notes and discussion points about the two projects featured in Keeping the Mountains Green. Sold with the video, or separately for  .

AusAID, Australia and the Philippines, Partners in Development. Colourful booklet that examines the Australian Government's aid program in the Philippines. Available for borrowing from Professional Development Providers. Click here for addresses.

Microenterprise in the Philippines. Focus, December 1995.

Helping farmers build their own solutions. Focus, December 1997.

For information about other development projects including those with a micro enterprise focus, contact organizations such as:

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Please note:

The opinions expressed in the linked WWW sites below, including documents, images, videos or sounds are those of the individuals and organisations involved and do not necessarily represent the views of AusAID or the Australian Government. Concerns or questions should be directed to the authors of the WWW sites in question NOT AusAID.

• Canberra Mailing, PO Box 650, Fyshwick, ACT 2609. Ph. 02 6269 1230. Fax: (02) 6269 1229 (for AusAID resources)
• Caritas Australia, 19 Mackenzie Street, North Sydney 2060 Website: http://www.caritas.org.au
• Community Aid Abroad (Oxfam in Australia), 156 George St Fitzroy 3065 or in your capital city. Website : http://www.caa.org.au
• International Women's Development Agency, 228 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne 3002
• World Vision Australia, Education Services, 1 Vision Drive Burwood East 3151 or GPO Box 9944 in your capital city. Website http://www.worldvision.com.au/myworldvision/home.asp

* Further information and resources can be obtained from the
Professional Development Providers.

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