Talking about Kiva and what's wrong with intl orgs

[summer]

I know we've had several threads on how many international orgs/NGOs, international adoption agencies, etc, actually do much more damage locally than help.

I've been talking to a friend of mine about this and doing a terrible job explaining. Is MX or someone here that can help me explain or connect me to a good, reputable site?

Also, we are specifically talking about Kiva, who I know people here have had not-so-great things to say about them, but I can't find anything on google. Anything there would also be helpful.

Thanks.

[wawa]

I think the issue with Kiva is some of (most of?) their partners are not the most responsible finacial orgs. so yay you get to fund a microloan for this totaolly deserving person - which is cool - but they may be being charged a ridiculous interest rate.

I seem to remember comments along the lines of these loans being used for things that were not really sustainable? That it was encouraging people to bury themselves in debt?

I don't remember the details. But I know I've been letting my Kiva balance sit unloaned for about 5 months now since we last talked about this. I'm not sure what to do with it. If there is a way to vet the specific partner the loan goes through? I dunno.