Think of something as seemingly benign as the cellphone—we have microfinance and text-based social networking at one end of the spectrum, and improvised explosive devices at the other.

想想类似手机这种看似无害的东西吧——一方面，手机可以用来进行小额信贷和基于文本的社交，但另一方面，它也可以成为临时制作的爆炸装置。

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Microfinance itself is something of a mystery.

小额信贷本身就有些神秘。

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As a result, microfinance has become profitable.

结果，小额贷款变成是有利可图的。

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We asked Ms.Nietert what advice she had for someone who might want to get involved in helping others through microfinance.

VOA: special.2010.06.16

The idea behind microfinance is to empower borrowers by helping them build a business which can create income and grow.

VOA: special.2010.06.16

The writers say microfinance is one of the important tools for empowering women and lifting them out of these conditions.

VOA: special.2010.06.16

But, in the meantime, microfinance projects that rely on social cohesion will struggle to succeed.

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Microfinance has grown to such a level that it cannot go unnoticed by governments.

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Musoni, an Unreasonable Institute applicant and early favorite, disburses microfinance loans through M-Pesa in Kenya.

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