In honor of World Refugee Day

There are more than 60 million refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) around the world who were driven from their homes by violence and conflict. In honor of World Refugee Day, we’re featuring the stories of borrowers who were forced to rebuild their lives and found new hope and support through the Kiva community.

Kiva lenders have crowdfunded more than $2.6 million in loans to refugees and internally displaced people. This support helps Kiva’s Field Partners extend financial services to those most at risk and in need, including refugees and IDPs escaping conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Colombia, among others.

Kiva loans can also help play a critical role for refugees years after they relocate, as they create new, stable lives for themselves and their families. Read some of their inspiring stories below and share in honor of World Refugee Day, or support a loan to refugee today.

After fleeing war across 8 countries, a tailor pursues his dream

Growing a business and caring for a family, from a refugee camp

Born in a refugee camp, now designing her own collections in NYC

A farmer rebuilds again, as a refugee in her own land

And we also have a very special contribution from Kiva's own Jessica Hansen, our Global Engagement Manager, sharing her personal journey and how working with refugees shaped her path.

We are together: How a refugee’s story helped me write my own