Why "Charity" needs an overhaul.

The Old World.

The developing World as we call it today, yesterday...it was the 3rd World. As we grow more inclusive and accepting, the terminology has changed. However, kind words of inclusion won't ever change the unacceptable treatment of people in the regions, mostly that of women and children. Let's dive in.

Why the richest Country on Earth is also the poorest?

Africa, when you first think about this huge continent, you may think of famine, disease, and extreme poverty but have you ever thought "why" that is? African countries are home to some of the richest deposits of diamonds, gold, and even a very rare mineral found in just one type of diamond found only in Africa. Her exports are the backbone of the entire continent though the people never seem to sustain any real form of social and economic growth.

The agriculture industry is 60% of Africa's economy with the majority of the population farming for survival, and they're good at it! The land is fertile and rich with minerals, water is the only thing lacking. Though Africa has underground riverbeds in nearly every part of the continent, accessing it requires digging at least 6-10+ meters plus to reach it. The regions that cannot afford the equipment are forced to drink stagnant surface water that animals and other species live from also. This is the number one problem in rural Africa, killing more people from water-borne diseases, and limiting the growth of crops and the local population thereafter.

A hand-dug water bore costs just $2000usd and a machine dug $10,000usd. Each bore provides clean water for around 500-1000 people in the area. There are some upkeeping costs but minimal in retrospect. Africa needs around 400,000 of these bores to provide for their rural population. From the clean and sustainable supply of water, crops grow, they yield more and in turn, the local population thrives. Clean water brings health and food brings nourishment and additional income. Additional income brings a better life and increases social economics for everyone in the region. Schools are built and taxes are paid. Local governments become less dependent on aid money and more responsible to their people. The world becomes a better place in under a generation.

The reality of it all.

But that is still just a dream for the half a billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa, with little access to a better life. It is not for the want of one....it simply comes down to the flow and control of money and I'll show you why below.

Before we go further, some quick math. 400,000 water bores (machine dug) x $10,000usd = 4 billion USD. So it takes 4 billion, or even if we round up to 20 billion (Just to be sure)....we still have plenty.

Each year over 400 billion dollars go to charity, and 160 billion dollars go from taxpayers to Foreign Aid. The US gives 32 billion and Australia over 4 billion per year. From the limited information surrounding the flow of this money, we found that over 39% of the Charity money goes to religious Organisations. Governments receive the least at around 3-5% and ALL of the foreign aid money is sent to multi-lateral and multi-national Organisations such as the United Nations etc. And Africa receives over 60 billion of just foreign aid annually.

To put it simply, the way money moves is similar to that old-school game called "take one, pass it on", but with billions of dollars. The "take one" component is the likes of admin fees and other "costs" of doing business. They tend to say "we only use 3% of it in fees" though we all know the huge beautiful offices and programs offered by these Organisations easily show "where" the money has really gone. This all gives the illusion of low fees, when the service takes up to 80% by the time funds are distributed.

The fact remains that there are Non-profits controlling the flow of money through "organisation", when there are passionate people who reside in the affected region who have a greater understanding of the problems, are better at sourcing local supplies, and have registered Charities to do so....all of which receive absolutely zero help and struggle daily to build trust with new donors.

Billions are spent through contracts and tenders, purchasing equipment, aid, and supplies from the donor country and importing it all to the developing one. This has been shown to destroy local economies even more so, and seems like the most obvious of problems...but hey, I don't write the rules...

By the time the "Aid" reaches those in need, it's been used as a means of manipulation and profits in what seems like the first true circular economy with very little ever leaving the circle. Funding is non existent for those at the bottom, they cant afford social proof such as large expensive websites and other things we take for granted as "must haves" in running a Charity.

It's time someone built a platform, just for them...and that's what we are doing here.

Below are 3 special charities of whom I know and trust. I hope this awareness helps somehow.

3 Special Charities in need

I meet a lot of people in my day-to-day in Charity Token, it is amazing! As I build awareness for the macro problems in Charity, I'd also like to spread awareness of the micro problems too. And so these 3 charities are doing some great work and need help, as much as you can help, a share, a like, a donation even. But I'll leave that to you.

Development Alert -

Headed by Zachery Onyango, Development Alert was formed in 2019 to help develop the local infrastructure for a Community in need of the basics such as clean water, healthcare, and education. Zachery has become a friend of mine in the past 12 months and I would love to help him start his major achievements off by getting him a water bore. A community of around 1000 people will benefit and thrive because of it.

Youth Association For Peace And Development?-

Headed off by Narcisse Bakouroua Francois, is the YAPD. This Charity is a Refugee led initiative (CBO) formed in 2018, is dedicated to increasing access to education, empowering youths and adolescents to rebuild their lives, and restoring hope through resilient building programs in education, skills training, sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and GBV. Get in touch with this amazing charity to find out more. btw...their business plan is very specific, they just need funding.

Contact Narcisse directly at - [email protected]

Hands of Hope -

This special Charity is headed by Namara Jane, an amazingly passionate lady from Uganda, Africa. She has a huge goal of raising enough funds for 1 million sanitary pads. You see women's health standards in developing regions are so far behind, it's unbelievable! Women are forced to hide their natural womanly rituals in shame due to the lack of sanitation and education about hygiene. Often women and girls resort to using banana leaves, old clothing, and straight-up raw cotton, resulting in infections and sometimes death. Namara is someone I would love to see succeed in her quests for higher standards of Women's health.

Conclusion

The entire Charity Industry needs an overhaul, the conservative nature has fed the corruption through ignorance alone. While most charities do the "right thing" they have little understanding of the picture and problem at large. Transparency and accountability are just two of the things coming to the most privatized public sector ever and I personally can't wait for them to be realized. Second, comes standardization around the globe of Charity policy....