Turning Virtual Lessons Into Life Loans

May 1, 2009— -- Devoting her life to communities in Africa and Latin America, Katie Smith Milway was eager to bring home the lessons she learned and pass them on to others.

"I wanted to inspire kids to know, at their age, they can take a step that could have repercussions for their community, for their town and for others," she said.

The result was "One Hen," a children's book written by Milway about micro-financing that's become a hit around the world.

Read in 65 countries and counting, it tells the story of Kojo, a young Ghanaian boy who, through a small loan, bought one hen. The resulting chicken farm he was able to build provided for his family, paid for him to go to school and ultimately allowed him to give loans to other members of his community.

Micro-financing -- making small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries -- is not usually the stuff of children's books. But Milway believed kids would get it.

"Anyone who'd run a lemonade stand could identify with setting up a small business and how that helps you to earn some money," said Milway. "And with that money you can either make more lemonade or invest in something you want."

"One Hen" is more than words on a page -- it's also an interactive Web site. Kids log on to www.onehen.org to play games where they earn beads that they can then donate in a virtual market.

"Our theme is learn, play, make a difference," said Milway. "One of the things the kids learn on the site is it's not just small loans. ... It's using that loan, making money, paying it back, getting your next loan."

Milway brings the story to life. Every bead kids earn online adds up and turns into real dollars. "One Hen" has partnered with two micro-finance organizations that turn the virtual beads into loans -- $50,000 so far this year -- for people in need in Africa.