I have just finished reading "The End of Poverty" by Jeffrey Sachs and I have to say it is well worth the read. He gives some amazing examples of ways that developing countries have been able to move forward and he also sets out exactly how achievable initiatives such as the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) are. It is also interesting to read about the apparent disconnect between the rhetoric of developed countries and their real actions, and the fact that we all have a responsibility to call them out on this.
I then also happened across a little article in the Nepali Times recently which suggests that at the current rate the MDGs with regard to education will not be achieved. It also reveals that almost 700,000 Nepalese children are still without access to education. You can access the article by clicking here. I was shocked by this figure but not surprised.
All of this reading has led me to two thoughts:
1. How worthwhile and critical the work of the Foundation is in helping the children of Nepal to create opportunities and the means to end their struggle with poverty; and
2. How easy it is for all of us to make a difference. Contributing does not always have to involve giving money, there are many other things all of us can do such as -
- becoming more informed about situations of particular interest
- promoting awareness of these issues
- volunteering time and skills
- joining groups of likeminded people to share ideas and work together on larger projects
I know it often seems as though there are too many problems in the world and so there is no point doing anything. I also know from first hand experience that very small acts of kindness and generosity can change the lives of people in unimagineable ways.
We all have a choice, what will yours be?
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