[Treud na Mara]

Well said Womble. I think it all shows how complicated the whole subject is. There is no one right answer that will work everywhere. And it's not as simple as just giving money. We have to do the research and find the projects that are doing the right things in the right places. Oh and can I put a good word in for Lend with Care.

[Fleecewife]

I absolutely agree Womble - whatever are we to do to help this situation?  You could say it all boils down to education, but even that has to be teaching knowledge that is appropriate to each community, rather than to a totally different culture, climate and financial setting.

I am a firm believer in education, starting with getting as many children as possible into school.  When you think how many young people here spend their time trying to bunk off school, whereas children in the very poorest societies are absolutely desperate to get an education, it is frustrating in the extreme.  But if children the world over become better educated then they will be the ones who grow up understanding the problems of their own country, and being able to carry out research and suggest solutions which may actually work.

Being cynical, a lot of the poverty and need in certain countries is caused by corrupt officials and endless wars.  How do you deal with that?  I haven't a clue, but I hope someone does.

While we wait for all this to come to fruition, yes, we have to do something to help.  This is one world, and we're all a part of it.  However, my word of caution was not to say 'don't help', but more 'think carefully just how you give that help, and that you don't do as much harm as good'.

[Backinwellies]

Following this treads recent direction ....... I'm going to point you back to my earlier post .... I need to start this seasons push to raise some more for the warehouse completion ........... any money donated to this will all go to the project (less money exchange deduction unfortunately)  and will directly help children attend school and health clinics .......... if you want to know more please contact me.
Linda

[doganjo]

As I see it nothing else matters until there is clean water! The children still have to go to the well for it, but for goodness sake, they are children! They play! They may have a little more time to do that or perhaps get some schooling.

Not enough work for them if we subsidise wells??? Well woop de doo!!!

That's where my money goes - other than cancer research which is a worldwide problem whatever the colour, creed, nationality.

[Fleecewife]

It sounds as if it's when there is just one thing done that it unbalances things.  The triad of clean water, hygienic toilets and schooling go hand in hand.