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Classmate 1:

Andrew Youn is a great example of how solidarity in a business environment and stewardship can produce an answer to a problem that has plagued non-for-profits micro-financing small farmers. Andrew Youn became interested in helping small farmers after an extended internship in rural Kenya where he examined the impact of micro financing that these farmers received and the reasons why these same farmers were unable to end the cycle of poverty. What he learned was that the traditional micro-financing programs that existed in Kenya did not understand a farmers economic cycle as it relates to their respective seasonal harvest. “Because the income of farmers is not constant, but rises and falls according to the seasonal harvest, they had a difficult time attracting microfinance dollars because most of these monies were offered only under regimented repayment conditions that the farmers could not meet.” (O’Brien, p. 225)

Youn looked at the problem through the eyes of the farmers and realized the obstacles that were needed to overcome the deficiencies of a traditional micro finance loan. Youn partnered with John Gachunga and created the One Acre Fund which curtailed the existing traditional micro-finance programs to help the farmers by making repayment due at seasonal harvest and based on market conditions. What this meant was that farmers became eligible for needed funds that they were not only able to repay but that they benefitted from as well. The One Acre Fund has 6 key values that incorporate ideas of solidarity as they work for the farmers and actually are part of the farmers; their success is One Acre Fund’s success. Due to his interest, commitment and dedication to this common good Youn and the One Acre Fund also exemplifies stewardship. Andrew Youn received a gift from God to communicate, understand and create a program that would benefit all small farmers and he implemented it in a way that was not capitalist but instead humanitarian. “ Each individual must develop a vocation, which implies stewardship and participation in the community…Because the individual is always in relationship with other, the fulfillment of the individual integrally relates to the fulfillment of the community and society.” (O’Brien, p 104)

Classmate 2:

Based on this week's readings and previous weeks, it would appear Andrew Youn and the One Acre Fund have found a solid better solution for the poor that is fundamentally grounded in the concept of Solidarity. This is not an easy thing to do, and he deserves to be lauded for doing something so difficult and well intentioned.

It has been well discussed that a better solution for the poor and capitalism are not easily mixed. Youn has done exactly that with his company. By providing the farmers generous loans with generous terms, all while providing security for things like disaster and low yield, Youn has found a capitalist solution that is better for the poor. While it is impressive that he has managed to do that, what is perhaps even more impressive, is his commitment to the concept of solidarity.

Youn's business promises that are in the fields with the farmers and getting their shoes muddy. His business's goals discuss bringing people together both in family and outside of family. These concepts are textbook definitions of good execution for the concept of solidarity. He served over 125,000 families in 2012, and continues to do so to this day. His commitment to serving these families, and genuinely helping them is what solidarity is all about. These are not his family members, and they are not people that provide a service for him. He is simply helping them, while also making a living for himself. This is a wonderful example of solidarity, and bringing together communities across the company, and even the world.