Representatives from more than 30 countries attended the first Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) Economic Development Summit in Prague, Czech Republic, June 25 to 29, where participants focused on economic development programs that are revolutionizing communities around the world.

ADRA provides small loans and business training to approximately 12,000 people in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and former member countries of the Soviet Union. More than 82 percent of the beneficiaries are women. In the coming years, ADRA plans to at least double the number of people aided by programs.

These micro-enterprise development programs provide small loans to groups of individuals who cannot access credit at formal institutions. Loans are paid back on a regular schedule, and clients in good standing can apply for increasing loan amounts. 

The programs continue to provide economic benefit to communities long after ADRA’s formal involvement has ended. They enable participants to become self-reliant, contributing to the overall development of a community.

Additional information about ADRA can be found on its Web site at www.adra.org.