What is time bank?

A time bank is a new and exiting way for people to come together to help others and help themselves at the same time. Participants 'deposit' their time in the bank by giving particular help and support to others and are able to "withdraw" their time when they need some thing done themselves.

Why have a time bank?

Market economic value what is scare - not the real work of society which is caring, loving being a citizen, a neighbor and a human being.

There is a market economy that it is not considered as an economic system at all. Our network of support in the form of family, friend, neighbors and community a time bank is a way to strengthen a non-market economy.

The market economy depends on the healthy functioning of the non-market economy - we all need support from family and friends. We take it for granted that the non-market economy will always be there. As such we can under value what it provides.

We notice when things go wrong with the non-market economy. Society isolation, rundown estates, crime, and poor health, no feeling of community: these are just a few of the symptoms of an area in Malaise, with poor social connections and few support networks.

You can look at an area in decline like a body with a weaken immune system. The protection holding that body together - family, friends, neighbors, community - are failing apart. It looses its connections. The body needs to be fit and healthy to function and to grow.

What we need to do is to strengthen the areas immune system, by drawing people together and by developing mutual friendships and support and this will leads us to exploit Ethiopian Entrepreneurs for the development of our country.

Time bank is a way to achieve that, to strengthen communities.

• A time bank can help to
• Bring people in aspirate of equality
• Value and record contributions to community life
• Build an individual confidence and skills
• Build organizational capacity
• Build community networks and knowledge
• Get things done that wouldn't get done
• Encouraging community participation, especially those who have the ability to create jobs "Entrepreneurs".

Who gets involved in time bank?

Any one and every one;
A time bank is open to people of all ages, abilities, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. In fact a time bank benefits from a great diversity in its participations so that there are a wide variety of skills exchanged.

We are going to lead the world together!

For more information:

Tel:	(+251)-0911-366-065
P.O.Box:	396 code 11110 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax:	(+251)-0116-263-165