Chinese mother Hao Lang from a poor rural village in China's Shaanxi province has a lot in common with the Rat.

Just like the Rat, Hao is a natural leader with a strong drive for success – attributes that have seen her become a small business owner.

Right: Micro-finance loans can help members of poor Chinese communities – especially women – become small-scale entrepreneurs

Hao’s success, which has brought better health, lifestyle and educational opportunities for her children, was only made possible through a micro-finance loan funded by the sponsorship of children in her Plan-supported community.

It all began when Hao borrowed 600 yuan (about $93) to buy dates, which she re-sold at a profit. She repaid her loan and had enough left over to buy a calf, which in time produced another. Selling the new calf, she combined the profit with another loan and invested 30,000 yuan ($4650) to set up a photographic studio.

After her yearly loan repayments, Hao is left with 8,000 yuan a year, which she has in turn invested in other financial opportunities including selling cement to a government road builder and opening a general goods store.

Right: Hao conducting business at her photographic studio, set up thanks to a micro-finance loan

Hao has not been the only one to gain from her success and now with Plan’s support, runs micro-finance information and training sessions in her community.

When Australians and others from the developed world sponsor a child for as little as $39 a month, up to 100 people in that child’s village benefit. Regular donations mean funding for major projects such as micro-finance, especially for villagers who have a good nose for business, like Hao.

A micro-finance loan is often the only way the villagers can finance their business ventures as with no bank account and no credit rating, they are deemed too high risk by traditional banks.

Micro-finance has meant escape from poverty for Hao and many other families in her village in north central China. But it would never have been possible without the regular funding that comes when people in developed countries like Australia, sponsor a child.

As Hao explains: “Micro-finance does more than increase our income. It has changed our way of thinking.”

Sponsor a child in China today.