The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a set of eight goals established by the United Nations to reduce human suffering across the globe by 2015 that have been adopted by the majority of the countries in the world and by many church denominations and faith networks, including the Anglican Communion.

Consider this:

• 50% of the world’s population of 6 billion people survives on less than $2 a day.
• 20% of the world’s population survives on less than $1 a day.
• 20% of the world’s children never reach their fifth birthday.
• 50% of the world’s children suffer from some form of malnourishment.
• With more than 70 million members, the Anglican Church reaches into many of the poorest communities in the world.
  
  Statistics from the UN Human Development Report.

Microfinance has been recognized as a powerful tool to reach the MDGs:

1. Eradicate extreme hunger and poverty.
2. Achieve universal primary education.
3. Promote gender equality and empower women.
4. Reduce child mortality.
5. Improve maternal health.
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
7. Ensure environmental sustainability.
8. Develop a Global partnership for development.

Five Talents, through its work in microfinance and small business training in developing countries, is helping to achieve these ambitious goals.  Five Talents supports 12 programs in 11 countries, has impacted nearly 500,000 people, and boasts average loan repayment rates of 95 percent.  Five Talents also fights more than one battle at a time.  Being a part of the work that Five Talents does on the ground to fight poverty means being a part of work that fights malaria, provides resources for healthcare, grants opportunities for education and more.  Small changes make large differences in the lives of those we help.  As a Five Talents program participant grows her business, she increases her children’s access to healthier protein-rich meals, clean water, and ultimately, a healthier community in which to grow up.

Our commitment to the Millennium Development Goals began in 2000 when Five Talents helped write and pass the D033 resolution through the Episcopal Church USA General Convention. These goals were reaffirmed in 2006 with the passage of the D022 resolution below. This challenge asked dioceses and congregations to earmark 70 cents of every $100 in their budgets to international development.

Resolved, that the General Convention establish the work toward the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals as a mission priority for the coming triennium, and that each diocese, congregation and parishioner be urged to commit to 0.7% giving toward these goals by July 7, 2007.

What does this mean for you?

Your church or diocese can support the 0.7% challenge and promote the Millennium Development Goals by donating now or by calling (800) 670-6355.

Learn more about how to Engage Your Church.