The Economics Of Enough: Learning From David Bussau
As Australia Day nears, I’m reminded of an important Australian who inspires me to live generously and has shown me the value of economic empowerment, David Bussau AM.
David co-founded the Opportunity International Network in the 1970s. After decades of helping people in poverty realise their dreams, David was awarded Senior Australian of the Year in 2008.
Starting life in an orphanage, David began his journey as an entrepreneur with a rented hotdog stand at just 15 years of age. He soon realised just how empowering owning a small business was and the choice and self-sufficiency it gave him. Twenty years later, and with numerous successful businesses to his credit, he reached what he refers to as the ‘economics of enough’.
David became interested in aid work while helping out with an earthquake recovery program in Indonesia back in the 1970s. He saw that conventional aid and development approaches were limited in their efforts to break the poverty cycle. To better assist people in poverty, he offered a small loan of $50 to an Indonesian farmer named Ketut Suwiria. This small loan allowed Ketut and his wife to purchase a sewing machine to start their first business. Witnessing first-hand how a small loan could give a hand up to those in poverty, David became a leader in microfinance.
Since then, David has been compelled to empower families with choice through microfinance.
When a person’s entrepreneurial potential is released, we see a great deal of empowerment. They are more confident, take up a more prominent role in their communities and become a key decision-maker in their families. They are empowered to choose a better life for their children and that is a tremendous improvement.
Choice is particularly empowering for women. More and more, mothers in developing countries are using small loans to transform the lives of their families; 91% of Opportunity’s clients are women.
One of these empowered women is Anita. This mother-of-three from India faced extreme financial difficulty, earning less than A$36 a month. But thanks to a small loan, Anita has been able to turn her small roadside stall into a thriving shop selling daily household items. Her income has increased dramatically, enabling her to meet her children’s needs and send them to school. Anita has also employed two other women so that they too can transform their families’ lives and achieve financial independence. Anita says, “I am happy that I am now independent and I want to employ more women to make a living for themselves.”
David’s story shows us that it can only take a little to do a lot – a hand up can be a very powerful thing. These flourishing small businesses not only provide for the basic needs of families living in poverty, they also instil confidence and dignity – things no one should have to live without.
There are many Australians who have also created opportunities for families living in poverty through their involvement with Opportunity over the years. Australia Day reminds us of your generous support each and every year, for which we are so thankful.
Filiz Casey is the Communications Intern at Opportunity International Australia. Presently studying her Master of Arts in Creative Writing, she generously offers her time, skills and experience to assist in a range of communications activities.