In December 2003, Carita Feliz began its own internal bank to encourage staff to save their earnings and bonuses. Banco Interno de Carita Feliz is exclusively for staff in the center and offers a very attractive proposition. Savings receive an interest rate of 5% per month and, if no money has been withdrawn by the end of the year, the initial amount is doubled.

While this is an unprofitable venture, it encourages a culture of saving for a rainy day and avoiding the need for loan sharks that lend at 5% interest per month! We currently have 26 members of staff that participate, of which four have joined in January 2005.

A sample monthly statement is shown.