G8 Summit and effects on Africa

Since 1995, helping African nations has been an important priority for the G8 summit. In 2005, when they met in Gleneagles, the G8 indicated it as a major breakthrough when they announced a doubling of aid to Africa by 2010 and forgive Third World nations' debt. It was dubbed as the "100 percent debt relief summit.” These measures were designed to speed up progress for the Millennium Development Goals toward poverty, hunger, education and health.

However, four years later, what was hailed as a Marshall Plan for Africa in 2005 risks disintegrating into just an unfinished plan. Even as non-G8 donors, responsible for a quarter of the total aid increase, are delivering on their side of the deal, aid from the G8 countries has decreased. So far, G8 countries have raised only one third of the total pledged in 2005. Italy, the host nation for G8 2009, has continued to decrease its aid spending, and now gives less than a fifth of one per cent of its national income to reduce poverty. Even worse, any debt that was forgiven in 2005 was deducted from the aid package, as noted by the European Network on Debt and Development.

So, in the midst of one of the deepest economic downturns we have faced, the 2009 G8 summit took place in early July. As chair, Italy placed the global economy, environment and Africa at the top of the agenda to bring collectively the leaders of major middle income economies. On the third day of the summit, the leaders issued a first-ever joint G8-Africa statement, expressing their determination to build a stronger partnership to increase access to water and sanitation.

They committed to sustainable development, including development aid, climate change and peace and security. The G8 met with Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, the African Union Commission and related international organizations. Their worldwide targets include halving poverty by 2015 by using sustainable development. During the G8 summit, world leaders pledged an additional $20bn in aid to speed up agriculture in poor countries at the end of the G8 summit when $5bn was originally expected. The US$20 billion will be used over three years through the L'Aquila Food Security Initiative in support of rural development in needy countries.

However, is the money pledged adequate? The UN estimates that the number of malnourished people has increased over the past two years and will reach one billion this year; head of the UN's Food and Agriculture Agency, Jacques Diouf, says that the aid falls short of what is needed even though it is still a big jump from before. Details of the deal, and the time-frame for delivery, are still sketchy. There are also questions like how much money will be loaned through institutions like the World Bank and which countries will get it. Aid agencies are skeptical about the form the aid might be delivered in since G8 failed to deliver their promise made in 2005 to double aid for Africa by 2010.

Failure to deliver on recent promises made by G8 will cost them heavily in terms of credibility. But more significantly, it threatens a huge social cost during a time when the global recession is hitting low-income countries hardest. Naturally, outcome of the G8 summit will be judged on its impact on the G20 summit in Pittsburgh in September, and UN climate talks in Copenhagen at the end of the year. However, it is Africa and how they solve poverty in Africa, where Italy in particular and the G8 collectively, face their greatest credibility test.

Sources

The Italian Job: What the 2009 G8 Summit Must Deliver on Health and Aid for Africa

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/world-vision/the-italian-job-what-the_b_224410.html

Has the G8 done enough for the poor?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8144205.stm

G8 Summit Agrees on Food Security, Climate, Nuclear Arms Control http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2009/2009-07-10-01.asp

Written By Contributing Blog Editor Mashfiqur Rahman

Good News from New Hope Orphanage!

LittleDrops is happy to report great news from New Hope one of the orphanages that LittleDrops supports located in Busia, Uganda! The orphanage focuses on the care and well-being of the country’s most vulnerable children. It is a non-discriminative organization that does not practice discrimination based on gender, religion, ethnic background, nationality or color. It provides support to over 75 children who have been directly affected by HIV/AIDS crises and poverty in Uganda. The orphanage is able support these children as a direct result of financial support from the LittleDrops Orphanage Fund. Even with financial support New Hope still faces many challenges caring for these children that have been either orphaned or threatened by the HIV/AIDS crises and poverty that is prevalent in the region.

Holistic Approach and Mission

New Hope provides children with holistic care; it offers its children access to education, food, healthcare and clothing, in addition to psychological and spiritual support. New Hope also acts as an advocate by protecting the rights of these children. One of the stated goals of the orphanage is to provide hope and hope for the future.

New Hope’s mission is to alleviate suffering by providing children with the essentials that all children require: food, healthcare, education, love, and hope for the future. New Hope is managed by a board of directors and works with a small capable loving staff that includes a director, social worker, head matron, cook and a watchman that are responsible for the day to day operations of the project.

The Need

In the wake of the AIDS crises in Africa more than 2 million children have been orphaned in Uganda. New Hope was founded in 2003 by Ken Daniel and Suzan Mulago- a husband and wife team with a $15,000 grant from the Mustard Seed Foundation. When New Hope opened its doors it cared for 15 children and since then it has expanded to care for more than 75 children. The children’s ages range from infants to young adults. New Hope’s target populations are children that have been orphaned or are homeless. In turn New Hope donors can be confident that their money is being put to good use because over ninety- six percent of orphanage’s income goes directly back to helping the children in the orphanage’s care.

New Hope’s Nutrition Program

Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of New Hope’s Child support program. The goal is to provide children with adequate food that is nutritious and allows the children to thrive and grow. One of the biggest achievements accomplished by New Hope is the ability to feed 75 children per day. Currently no child at New Hope suffers from any dietary illnesses related to malnutrition. One of the biggest challenges that New Hope faces is the rising cost of food. To address this challenge the orphanage is planning to acquire a 15 acre garden located in Busia, Uganda in order to produce food for their children. New Hope currently has a four acre sweet potato garden which was acquired with the financial support of donors. New Hope is proud to report that the sweet potato garden has been very productive and successful!

New Hope’s Educational Support Program

Education is also at the forefront of New Hope’s agenda –it is considered to be an integral part of the New Hope’s holistic initiative in caring for children. With the support of the LittleDrop’s New Hope is able to provide education and supplies to 72 children. The children receive books, supplies, and other scholastic materials to help them succeed in school. In addition, New Hope staff implements an interactive approach by attending all parent teacher meetings. New Hope considers one of the charity’s greatest achievements is being able to provide 72 children with educational materials based on the direct support from the LittleDrops foundation! New Hope is also proud to announce that four of its older students Elijah Were, Violet Anungo, Proscovia Terela and Akim Menya are actively studying to enter college within two years time!

Goals

New Hope’s primary goal is support children in pursuing their educational dreams. In February 2009 New Hope opened its own primary school with the goal of providing quality education to its children at the New Hope facility. One of the biggest challenges that New Hope will face shortly is supporting their four older students as they enter college in the next two years.

New Hope’s Healthcare Initiative

A major priority for the New Hope Orphanage is providing quality healthcare and healthcare education for the children in their charge. All of the children in New Hope’s care receive treatment for any illnesses that they may currently have as well as access to preventive healthcare. Part of this initiative involves HIV/AIDs treatment and prevention measurements with funds provided by the LittleDrops Organization. New Hope provides transportation for children to and from the hospital. New Hope also teaches the children basic hygiene and disease prevention. The orphanage currently treats over 20 children with medical issues. Malaria which is prevalent in the region is a major threat to the children’s health. Previous to being connected to a clean water supply Typhoid Fever was a major concern for the orphanage.

Psychological Health and Support

Psychological health is as important as physical health and the two are inherently related. New Hope provides over 75 children with activities that are stimulating for the child’s mind and body. Play is one of the most integral parts of childhood and childhood development. New Hope provides soccer balls and musical instruments such as drums for the children to play with. Play permits children forget stressful events in their young lives and focus on being a child. New Hope feels that it is critical for all the children to engage in play and this promotes feelings of well-being.

The Future Looks Bright!

New Hope has been a great success since it has opened its doors in 2003. The work of the founders and the commitment of staff members have made it possible for many young lives to be saved from a life of hopelessness and despair. The financial support of LittleDrops has been instrumental for the orphanage as well as the support of other donors. As a result the orphanage expects to grow while caring for endangered children in the region. Financial support is extremely important to the orphanage that in turn uses that money in ways that can be seen by donors. This stems from the orphanage’s focus on transparency and accountability. The future looks bright for the children of the orphanage with the continued support and care from staff and donors.

Contributing Blog Editor Clarissa M. Green

Laughs For Hope- Benefit Comedy Shows

Laughs for Hope: LaughterThat Echoes Across the Ocean

Written by Brianna Dimas

Come and support LittleDrops Orphanage Fund by attending the Laughs of Hope comedy shows! Enjoy some great comedy and kick back, all while supporting our organization. Tickets are only $25 and all proceeds go to benefit food, clean water, clothes, health care, and education for children in need. Laughs for Hope is your opportunity to make a difference in the lives of 2000 African Orphans.

And remember, little drops of water make a mighty ocean. All our proceeds come from gracious supporters like you.

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Laughs For Hope Comedy Show (in Atlanta, GA)

Come join us on Saturday August 29, 2009 in Atlanta! There will be two shows back-to-back, one at 6:30 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. Both shows will feature the comedic stylings of Jed Fearon, Nicole Chiles, Richard Conklin, and Scott Williams.

So come out to Nancy G’s Café located on 4920 Roswell Rd, Suite 55. Tickets are only $25. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The night promises to bring lots of laughs, and all proceeds go straight back to helping the kids. With your local effort, you can make a global impact.

To purchase tickets please visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/72886 and for more information call (425) 442-3234.

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Laughs For Hope Comedy Show (in Seattle, WA)

Come join us on Sunday August 30, 2009 for our Seattle show! Stop by the Giggles Comedy Club, located at 5220 Roosevelt Way NE from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The two esteemed comics Andrew Sleighter and Mike Cummings will be performing. Tickets are only $25. The show will be a great opportunity to kick back, relax, and most importantly: laugh, all while supporting our organization.

To purchase tickets please visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/70241 and for more information call (425) 442-3234.

Proceeds go straight back into the fund, which provides much-needed food, clean water, clothing, health care, and education to orphans on a global level.

Can’t make either of the shows? Spread the word to your family and friends. Also if you’d like to make a contribution please visit our website www.littledropsorphanagefund.org