How to Tackle Most Frequently Asked Questions

Some words from Clint Borgen, founder of The Borgen Project, on how to answer the most frequently asked questions from critics about global poverty and foreign aid.  Addressing these issues will help enlighten those who are under the influence of the many misguided myths out there.  Aren't we already doing enough?  Has nothing been accomplished?  Will reducing global poverty help the economy?  What impact does it have on our national security?  What about the corruption in these countries?  Find more answers on borgenproject.org!  

- Georisa Chang

Children Tell It Like It Is

These young advocates connect the dots between our investments in US global leadership and job creation at home providing compelling explanations of the benefits of investing in development and diplomacy programs.  It's their futures, why shouldn't they care? 

-Georisa Chang

SOURCE: U.S. Global Leadership Coalition

Education Brings Opportunity

Vittana, a fellow Seattle based non-profit, has successfully funded the education of 1,000 students in 10 developing countries. They have done this through micro-loans and donations from the public. The micro-loans are being paid from micro-donations from around the globe.

But these are not just donations, because education ultimately creates individuals that are better able to support themselves and their families. Vittana claims that its students earn nearly three times their original income after graduating. Bernarda Esmilsen Escobar, Vittana’s 1,000^th student, previously made $9 per day, but after graduating with a nursing degree, she should be making more than $20 a day. 99% of Vittana students repay their loans.

Now imagine this success on a larger scale. If donations can help fund the education of 1,000 students, imagine what money from a nation could do. Individual donors are extremely important in the fight against global poverty, but foreign aid from wealthier countries is also a necessary part. Countries have the ability to give much larger amounts of money. This means Vittana’s successes on a much larger scale.

-Sami Ressler

SOURCE: MASHABLE, VITTANA

Good News For Humanitarian Organizations: Wings Of Hope Is Nominated For Nobel Peace Prize

Great news for not-for-profit organizations as Wings of Hope, a charitable organization is nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Founded in 1962 and based at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, the organization provides medical air transportation to people in need worldwide. The organization operates 155 bases throughout the world, and their domestic and international programs assist more than a million people annually. More than 3,000 people around the world serve as Wings volunteers with more than 600 at the headquarters.

By the end of March a short Peace Prize nominee list will be compiled, and by late fall the Nobel laureate will be selected. Wings officials are optimistic about their chances of winning as they believe that they promote peace by helping people achieve self-sufficiency. It can be noted that "Doctors Without Borders", which won Nobel Peace Prize in 1999, uses the aircrafts of Wings of Hope to deliver their services.

-Nisha Noor

SOURCE: SUBURBAN JOURNALS