San Francisco Area RESULTS

Contra Costa Times

Letter to the Editor

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Microcredit works to free people from poverty

The success of the Microcredit Summit Campaign has impressed us all. In 1997, a goal was set of freeing 100 million of the world's poorest people from poverty.

Through microfinance, foreign aid has reached these people. This was a miracle of achievement, and it convinces us that we can reach the 980 million people living on less than $1 a day.

In 2009, Congress and President Barack Obama will work to create a more effective U.S. foreign assistance program. Let us be sure that we focus on the poorest and monitor our efforts to achieve the best results.

B. Isabel Johnson
Walnut Creek

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