1. Support Entrepreneurship In Third World Countries
Millions are given to charities working to help those living in impoverished countries, every year. However, there are growing concerns about whether this money is reaching those most in need. Most of the money given by other governments, goes directly to the government in Africa where it is unlikely to be spent on the people who need it. Some of it is spent on essential supplies such as mosquito nets and food which is sent from abroad. This poses two problems; a lot of this is taken by the army before it reaches the people who need it and it makes employment in Africa even harder. For example, someone who could make money selling handmade mosquito nets in Africa, can’t, as many charities have them made abroad and then send them over to people for free. There’s certainly nothing wrong with giving someone a mosquito net for free, but to help with the overall economy in Africa, it would be even better to ensure it has been made in Africa. Another problem is that the African government have no incentive to help the poor. As long as they have people struggling in their country, they can ensure they can get millions of pounds worth of aid. Of course, the people of Africa, don’t want hand-outs and they want to be able to secure their own future but it’s incredibly difficult.
Fortunately, there is a solution. The Grameen Bank has already proven successful in India, winning it’s founder, Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel peace prize. It was started in Bangladesh in 1976, giving people living in rural communities, the opportunity to take out a loan so that they could start their own business. Many Africans, being self-sufficient, already have some of the skills needed to start their own business, such
as producing food, clothing, jewellery, repairing clothing and shoes, carpentry and much more. All that’s needed is the capital, equipment and basic business skills.
There have been a number of microloan charities operating throughout Africa but if you want to support one of these charities, there are a number of factors to be aware of. Many Africans need the money for immediate things such as food and clothing and sometimes end up unable to pay back the loan. Also, some microloan companies or the people who collect on their behalf, charge a high interest rate, making it harder for people to pay back.
GiveWell, an organisation set up to research particularly effective charities, recommend the charity, Give Directly (www.givedirectly.org). This charity gives money directly to very low income households in Africa to spend as they need. This ensures people can pay for the things they need immediately in order to survive and then go on to take out loans in order to start their own business. There is no pressure to pay the money back and while
everyone wants the chance to get themselves out of poverty, this ensures that they can buy what is urgently needed for them and their families to survive, first. Give Directly has a strong track record where at least 90% of all donations go directly to the person intended and they continually evaluate their own work to ensure it is effective and cost-efficient. By supporting these groups, you won’t just be giving charitable donations, you will be sup-porting people to get themselves out of poverty forever.
2. Buy Fair Trade Products
Despite many people in third world countries not being paid a fair wage, there is something we can do. By buying fair trade, you are ensuring there has been no unfair wages or child labour used to make our produce. Fair trade means more than just fairly priced coffee. It also covers clothing, jewellery and other foods such as chocolate and bananas. It’s worth looking out for fairtrade and organic produce for all food in your local supermarket. Also, you can help particularly poor countries such as Africa, by buying African produce as often as possible. Due to a mixture of having little vote in international trading rules and African workers not getting subsidies like American and European farmers, Africa’s economy can use our support.
Buy Fair Trade Clothing
When it comes to clothes, many people, including children, are made to work long hours for little pay and often in dangerous situations, so that the clothes can be produced as cheaply as possible. In fact, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has estimated that 250 million children between the ages of five and fourteen work in developing countries. 61% in Asia, 32% in Africa and 7% in Latin America. Many of these children are forced to work. They are denied an education and a normal childhood. Some are confined and beaten. Some are denied the right to leave the workplace and go home to their families. Some are even abducted and forced to work. In India, children are often forced to thread individual sequins into clothing and beaten for making the smallest mistake.
Check out www.nosweat.com for more information and check out the following online stores which provide ethically produced clothing and shoes:
Buy Fairly Produced Jewellery
The illegal mining and contraband selling of gold and diamonds has been responsible for a lot of violence and many brutal wars across Africa.
Check out these websites to buy jewellery that has been ethically sourced: www.greenkarat.com – gold that has been ethically sourced as part of a co-operative in Columbia without using any harsh environmentally damaging chemicals.
www.silverchilli.com – fair trade silver jewellery that has been made in Mexico.
www.welshgoldplc.co.uk – easily traceable gold available from Wales.
If you know of companies who do use slave labour or produce that isn’t fair trade, write to them to complain.
3. Act Against Poverty
Keep up with legislation, news and potential ways to help people in poverty by regularly logging onto www.results.org, www.whiteband.org and www.markettradefair.com.
4. Surprise Someone!
Wrap An Extra Present For Christmas
Every year, the Samaritans collect Christmas presents to hand them out to children in developing countries. Have fun collecting up toys, stationery and some practical bits, popping them in a shoe box and dropping them off at your local Salvation Army base. If you register online, you also get updates on who has received your gift and how they’re enjoying it!
Boxing Day
Traditionally, Boxing Day was so-called because the idea behind it was that after Christmas, you would box up any unwanted gifts or even new gifts, and give them to those who need them. Help keep the tradition alive and box up gifts for your local children’s hospital, homeless shelter, soldiers or those in developing countries.
5. Volunteer Abroad With A Charity
A working holiday abroad can be an exciting experience and doesn’t have to be a hard slog. Many charities who genuinely want your help, won’t charge much for you to stay with them as long as you help out and you’ll still have time to enjoy the sites, scenery and weather while you’re there as well as knowing that you are making a huge difference to people who really need it. Here are a couple of opportunities which may be worth considering:
Childcare South Africa
This organisation does work to help children in a number of ways; orphans are given counselling and support, children with illnesses are given homecare, counselling and support, campaigns raise awareness of teenage pregnancy, aids and HIV.
If you wanted to volunteer, the minimum length of time to stay would be one month. You can stay with them for free and you would be given a food al-allowance.
Website address: www.childcaresa.org.za
Ghana UK
Ghana UK work on a number of projects including helping orphans, teaching children in Africa and supporting the community.
You would need to agree to volunteer for two weeks minimum and pay £65 a week for self catering accommodation.
Website address: www.ghanaukvolunteers.com
A Better World
A Better World is an orphanage in Africa.
You would be required to stay for a minimum of one week with free accommodation and meals will also be free.
Website address: www.abetterworld.cm.org
Kipepeo Community Empowerment Project
This project provides computer lessons, business training, microfinance op-port unities, teaching of children, counselling and feeding orphans.
You will be required to stay for a minimum of three weeks at £150 a month.
Website address: www.kipepeo.yolasite.com