Wanna help end poverty in Africa?????

[tian]

This is a thread in which we, as African-Americans, can assist in providing assistance in Africa without government assistance. If anyone can add to this list, that would be terrific!

Also, if you know how to start a trust that would go directly to an affected area in Africa, please divulge that information!

These are some charities that I have heard of, or have contributed to personally. I am currently with World Vision and FARDA.

tian




Students Partnership Worldwide
Friends of Africa Relief and Development Agency (FARDA)
The Luke Society The Jaliba Trust
http://www.amref.org/
World Vision International

 

[Greed]

in all seriousness, do you really think people here will help.

non-negative threads on the politics board end up getting bumped by Que to save from auto-deletion.

 

[Temujin]

Tian- Do any of these organizations offer business development or social development help to these African countries or do they just send money?

I was listening to NPR this morning they had an official from the Sudan responding to Bush and Blairs meeting and he stated what Africa needed most was not fish but learning how to fish. I would be interested in contributing to a charity that works in developing the economies of struggling African nations to compete in the global economy. It has been shown in the past that just throwing money at the problems in Africa does not work.

So if Tian or anyone else knows of a group that is working to develop these African countries economically and providing business oppurtunities with African companies to deal in the U.S. I would be very interested in supporting that type of effort.

 

[hoodedgoon]

I gotta admint, i know as much about the situation in africa as i know about biochemistry, nuthin. With that said, a lot of people don't help because the majority of those african regimes are more corrupt that our regimes in the western world. Money goes there and does not help those who need it.

On a side note, the major nations last year spent 1 trillion on their militaries. That's a conservative number i'm sure. perhpaps we should pressure our governments to spend even 10% of this on world powerty. imagine what 100 billion can do in africa. with this help we should remove these corrupt regime like we did in iraq, and install free institutions that are needed for democracy to take hold.

 

[tian]

Tian- Do any of these organizations offer business development or social development help to these African countries or do they just send money?

I was listening to NPR this morning they had an official from the Sudan responding to Bush and Blairs meeting and he stated what Africa needed most was not fish but learning how to fish. I would be interested in contributing to a charity that works in developing the economies of struggling African nations to compete in the global economy. It has been shown in the past that just throwing money at the problems in Africa does not work.

So if Tian or anyone else knows of a group that is working to develop these African countries economically and providing business oppurtunities with African companies to deal in the U.S. I would be very interested in supporting that type of effort.

That's why I joined World Vision. I do not want to sound like a commercial, but they have feet on the street in various countries in Africa and Asia. They are missionaries, so they live with the villagers, and set up schools and training centers. I personally do not want to give to a "fly-and drop" charity. And I did not want to give to a charity that only does short-term missions.

But, do your homework on this or other charities and give. Also, go and check up on them by going to Africa yourself and see how your money is being spent, if you have the means.


tian

 

[tian]

I gotta admint, i know as much about the situation in africa as i know about biochemistry, nuthin. With that said, a lot of people don't help because the majority of those african regimes are more corrupt that our regimes in the western world. Money goes there and does not help those who need it.

On a side note, the major nations last year spent 1 trillion on their militaries. That's a conservative number i'm sure. perhpaps we should pressure our governments to spend even 10% of this on world powerty. imagine what 100 billion can do in africa. with this help we should remove these corrupt regime like we did in iraq, and install free institutions that are needed for democracy to take hold.

I feel you, but you have to have a strong presence on the ground. You have to build strong alliances with their governments in order to make a real difference.

Here's my struggle: Many, if not most African charities start in a church. (Most of the effective ones, that is) All of these charities and trusts are launched by missionaries. Most missionaries are white. Therefore, most charities are ran by whites.

Now, imagine a charity ran by black people. This charity can be established as a trust, and that trust funds black people to go to Africa provide social and business development activities on the continent.

Now, these activities can be outreach as well as inreach. In other words, we could train our people in various skills, and convince companies to invest in bringing factories and other business centers to the continent.


tian

 

[Zero]

Now, imagine a charity ran by black people. This charity can be established as a trust, and that trust funds black people to go to Africa provide social and business development activities on the continent.

Now, these activities can be outreach as well as inreach. In other words, we could train our people in various skills, and convince companies to invest in bringing factories and other business centers to the continent.

tian

I think what has happened in India and other parts of Asia over the past 20 years is a perfect model for what should be the goals in much of Africa. With the proper training and international commitments to support the effort, Africa could easily become another source of expertise and low priced manufacturing. I don't mind that in relation to American manufacturing because it's gone and most likely never coming back. Africa would be at a strong advantage in this area since it has such a wealth of raw materials (I think the access to resources could actually keep production costs down WITHOUT exploiting it's people like Asia and S. America)

But, I honestly don't think anything will happen in Africa until the Western World does two things:

1. Forgive their debt to the IMF and World Bank
2. Release the resource wealth aquired through colonial conquest and still maintained by companies owned by the former colonizers back to their rightful owners (example: No way Debeers should still control diamond mines that they murdered and stole to aquire in the first place)

Until the West (primarily Europe) commits to stopping the exploitation of Africa and the selective destabilization of certain regions for personal gain, Africa will only get worse. I thought one of the most comical things during the warm up to the Iraq War was the idea that many of the European nations who claimed the US was being imperialist and invading for oil were/ are doing the EXACT same thing in Africa (that being said, I want to make it clear that I didn't support the war either, but bullshit is bullshit and white is white, no matter which side of the Atlantic).

Basically, unless Europe is put in check, any effort to help Africa is a waste of time.

Also, like it or not, the more troubled African nations needs to develop a STRONG socialist system. The abuses that a pure capitalist system would lead to would be catastrophic and forced distribution of wealth and resources could stifle the Charles Taylors of the world before they could even get started.

 

[Zero]

in all seriousness, do you really think people here will help.

non-negative threads on the politics board end up getting bumped by Que to save from auto-deletion.

Good thing you don't do anything to contribute to the negativity, huh Greed

 

[Temujin]

That's why I joined World Vision. I do not want to sound like a commercial, but they have feet on the street in various countries in Africa and Asia. They are missionaries, so they live with the villagers, and set up schools and training centers. I personally do not want to give to a "fly-and drop" charity. And I did not want to give to a charity that only does short-term missions.

But, do your homework on this or other charities and give. Also, go and check up on them by going to Africa yourself and see how your money is being spent, if you have the means.


tian

Thanks Tian I went to their website and it looks like what I am interested in.
It looks like they have a substantial prescence on the ground and this is exactly what Africa needs.

Here is a link to a website by stanford univeristy. It lists organizations with links that help with African economic aid. Whats good about this is a lot of these organizations focus on specific problems like African farms, or education etc.

http://www-sul.stanford.edu/depts/ssrg/africa/devel.html

This website also has a bunch of free information on research done about what is needed in the economic development realm in Africa.
http://www.aceg.org/

 

[tian]

I think what has happened in India and other parts of Asia over the past 20 years is a perfect model for what should be the goals in much of Africa. With the proper training and international commitments to support the effort, Africa could easily become another source of expertise and low priced manufacturing. I don't mind that in relation to American manufacturing because it's gone and most likely never coming back. Africa would be at a strong advantage in this area since it has such a wealth of raw materials (I think the access to resources could actually keep production costs down WITHOUT exploiting it's people like Asia and S. America)

But, I honestly don't think anything will happen in Africa until the Western World does two things:

1. Forgive their debt to the IMF and World Bank
2. Release the resource wealth aquired through colonial conquest and still maintained by companies owned by the former colonizers back to their rightful owners (example: No way Debeers should still control diamond mines that they murdered and stole to aquire in the first place)

Until the West (primarily Europe) commits to stopping the exploitation of Africa and the selective destabilization of certain regions for personal gain, Africa will only get worse. I thought one of the most comical things during the warm up to the Iraq War was the idea that many of the European nations who claimed the US was being imperialist and invading for oil were/ are doing the EXACT same thing in Africa (that being said, I want to make it clear that I didn't support the war either, but bullshit is bullshit and white is white, no matter which side of the Atlantic).

Basically, unless Europe is put in check, any effort to help Africa is a waste of time.

Also, like it or not, the more troubled African nations needs to develop a STRONG socialist system. The abuses that a pure capitalist system would lead to would be catastrophic and forced distribution of wealth and resources could stifle the Charles Taylors of the world before they could even get started.

Now this is the kind of discourse that should permeate BGOL! I love this kind of talk!!!

I agree with you, wholeheartedly, on all points except one. I think that in a fully-functioning Republic, we can realize social and economically free society. This is a minor disagreement and one that doesn't stifle the merits of your post, IMO.

But, I have talked to many Indian CEOs here in Atlanta. First of all, they run a tight ship. Second, and most importantly, they are baffled as to why African-Americans cannot do the same thing that Indians did. They think that a few countries in Africa can outpace India in GNP, if there was a consolidated plan enacted. But, the obstacles that you have pointed out is the reasons why we must continue a struggle against those oppressive items.

Now, just like apartheid, a united people can work wonders, though.


tian

 

[Greed]

Good thing you don't do anything to contribute to the negativity, huh Greed

are you using the force again or are you asking me?

 

[Zero]

Now this is the kind of discourse that should permeate BGOL! I love this kind of talk!!!

I agree with you, wholeheartedly, on all points except one. I think that in a fully-functioning Republic, we can realize social and economically free society. This is a minor disagreement and one that doesn't stifle the merits of your post, IMO.

But, I have talked to many Indian CEOs here in Atlanta. First of all, they run a tight ship. Second, and most importantly, they are baffled as to why African-Americans cannot do the same thing that Indians did. They think that a few countries in Africa can outpace India in GNP, if there was a consolidated plan enacted. But, the obstacles that you have pointed out is the reasons why we must continue a struggle against those oppressive items.

Now, just like apartheid, a united people can work wonders, though.


tian

Definitely a positive spinoff post Tian, thumbs up dog.

 

[Temujin]

Now this is the kind of discourse that should permeate BGOL! I love this kind of talk!!!

But, I have talked to many Indian CEOs here in Atlanta. First of all, they run a tight ship. Second, and most importantly, they are baffled as to why African-Americans cannot do the same thing that Indians did. They think that a few countries in Africa can outpace India in GNP, if there was a consolidated plan enacted. But, the obstacles that you have pointed out is the reasons why we must continue a struggle against those oppressive items.

Now, just like apartheid, a united people can work wonders, though.


tian

You are exactly on the money. One reason these other minorities can get a jumpstart is their economic ties to their home country. Imagine if African-Americans could get loans from African banks or sell African products. Its really a shame the lack of business dealings African-americans have with africa. Many african countries are extremely stable. Botswana for example has a very stable economy and government and they are democratic.

One of my goals as an entrepeneur is to find someway to do business with African countries. Unfortunatly It is difficult to make business contacts with African businessmen in the states I may have to do what Tian suggested and travel.

 

[hoodedgoon]

TheThe Indians and a few others focused on education and building the entrepreneurial spirit. In general, Indians and Asians see the longer term picture i.e. in two generations my offspring will be better off, don’t' mind working hard and enforce strict principles around education. That's the key. For some reason blacks, with all the opportunities we've had, haven't moved very far. I think it's due in part to our failing family structure, we have no sustainable value system. We also don't teach the real value of education, long term thinking and we have no idea how to network or create a community that can sustain business or generate wealth. The final piece that kills us is the fact that most blacks in america no relationship with africans, therefore we can't do what the indians or asians do, get seed money or investment from their home countries.

 

[tian]

You are exactly on the money. One reason these other minorities can get a jumpstart is their economic ties to their home country. Imagine if African-Americans could get loans from African banks or sell African products. Its really a shame the lack of business dealings African-americans have with africa. Many african countries are extremely stable. Botswana for example has a very stable economy and government and they are democratic.

One of my goals as an entrepeneur is to find someway to do business with African countries. Unfortunatly It is difficult to make business contacts with African businessmen in the states I may have to do what Tian suggested and travel.

You are definitely on to something! Another thing that we could do is get the support of Black-owned banks to invest and/or possibly seek a presence in emerging countries. Or, establish a trust within a black-owned bank from the US that would be used to invest in developing African nations.

Now, you have a couple of bullets in your gun. 1. A US financial ally (the black-owned bank) that will be obliged to establish a presence in that developing nation, and...2. Political clout, because if you make enough media splash about it, that country will seek out ties with you and see you as a representative of what they need... investors.

Now, who would you call to invest in this trust? Write a good enough business plan and seek out black investors, with at least one entertainment figure that will be willing to be a spokesman.

In other words, you cannot do this on your own... it's too big. But either you, or someone you know has money. Talk to them and also talk to some experts.

In your inner circle should be the following: A good and creative accountant, a good lawyer, someone with inside ties with Washington (congressman or senator, preferably), a good spokesperson, a person good with management and organization, and someone who can develop relationships with someone in that developing country's embassy. Oh yeah, you need a salesperson, someone who can fundraise like nobody's business... your congressperson or senator can help you with that one.

Once you have those things in place, you can fundraise, raise awareness, and get your plan moving.



tian

 

[davidcainwood]

You are exactly on the money. One reason these other minorities can get a jumpstart is their economic ties to their home country. Imagine if African-Americans could get loans from African banks or sell African products. Its really a shame the lack of business dealings African-americans have with africa. Many african countries are extremely stable. Botswana for example has a very stable economy and government and they are democratic.

One of my goals as an entrepeneur is to find someway to do business with African countries. Unfortunatly It is difficult to make business contacts with African businessmen in the states I may have to do what Tian suggested and travel.

When I was in college and now at work, the people from India and people from other places like China always used to have either close relatives in their native countries or had other ties like their grandmother or grandfather were actually born there and so they still had some ties to the old country. I guess I'm trying to ask isn't it harder for us black americans to find out how to invest and who to invest in, in african countries? We don't have the same family ties that immigrants from other countries have, or is that wrong? I tend to find different organizations that I can send money to so that I can try to do something but not really sure what else to do right now.

 

[Textiles]

I want to help end poverty all over the world.
Information must be given out freely for the world to be free. The end to poverty is simple but only those willing to stake everything on a single turn will be healthy/happy.
Read the Raw Courage World Book and then holla at me about poverty.
I have found out that simple shit like eating certain type of grass is okay (wheatgrass is really just grass). When I think about homelessness and poverty I see it directly linked to cooked food.
We waste our money on this because it isn't a physiological need. Homeless people should forage the parks and eat the wild rip tree dropped fruit and the raw food from the ground.
Wildman Steve Brill can help show you around to raw wild foods.
Fr the mind/body of the communiy it would be much healthier and cleaner if they ate more raw food than poison like mickydees and the likes from the garbagefrom out of the garbage.
Rent SuperSize Me by Morgan Sporlock.

 

[Temujin]

You are definitely on to something! Another thing that we could do is get the support of Black-owned banks to invest and/or possibly seek a presence in emerging countries. Or, establish a trust within a black-owned bank from the US that would be used to invest in developing African nations.

Now, you have a couple of bullets in your gun. 1. A US financial ally (the black-owned bank) that will be obliged to establish a presence in that developing nation, and...2. Political clout, because if you make enough media splash about it, that country will seek out ties with you and see you as a representative of what they need... investors.

Now, who would you call to invest in this trust? Write a good enough business plan and seek out black investors, with at least one entertainment figure that will be willing to be a spokesman.

In other words, you cannot do this on your own... it's too big. But either you, or someone you know has money. Talk to them and also talk to some experts.

In your inner circle should be the following: A good and creative accountant, a good lawyer, someone with inside ties with Washington (congressman or senator, preferably), a good spokesperson, a person good with management and organization, and someone who can develop relationships with someone in that developing country's embassy. Oh yeah, you need a salesperson, someone who can fundraise like nobody's business... your congressperson or senator can help you with that one.

Once you have those things in place, you can fundraise, raise awareness, and get your plan moving.



tian

Damn Tian you laid out the blueprint. Do you know of any black banks with those type of ties to africa? You dropped knowledge I am going to use my copy of business plan pro (from my good friend moneygod) and start a plan right know while its fresh in my mind.

I was thinking more small scale like right know I am trying to hop on the white T craze so I have been getting quotes from vendors in China on white T's. Of course they are cheaper than any quote I can get in the states. But alot of these vendors I met by going to the International toy show in Hong Kong. I don't know if Africa is developed enough yet to have these type of industry specific events but these are the places people network from around the world. I would love to attend an International toy show in Africa. Or a textiles conference. I wonder if we could coordinate that type thing from the states?

 

[Temujin]

When I was in college and now at work, the people from India and people from other places like China always used to have either close relatives in their native countries or had other ties like their grandmother or grandfather were actually born there and so they still had some ties to the old country. I guess I'm trying to ask isn't it harder for us black americans to find out how to invest and who to invest in, in african countries? We don't have the same family ties that immigrants from other countries have, or is that wrong? I tend to find different organizations that I can send money to so that I can try to do something but not really sure what else to do right now.

I think you hit on one of the primary reasons Black americans have not had the economic success other minorities have. Of all the African Americans I know. I don't know any who know any relatives in Africa. That to me is sad. I don't know if we will be able to develop true family bonds again however if we reach out to these African businesses we can create an economic family that will be beneficial to both parties.

What I am going to do is actively research businesses in Africa that supply what I use for my business. Also when I look at new business I will see what Africa has to offer. I think this will be good economically and socially. Like Zero said earlier Africa is a huge untapped market for business. I would guess pretty much all businesses in Africa are undervalued.

 

[tian]

Damn Tian you laid out the blueprint. Do you know of any black banks with those type of ties to africa? You dropped knowledge I am going to use my copy of business plan pro (from my good friend moneygod) and start a plan right know while its fresh in my mind.

I was thinking more small scale like right know I am trying to hop on the white T craze so I have been getting quotes from vendors in China on white T's. Of course they are cheaper than any quote I can get in the states. But alot of these vendors I met by going to the International toy show in Hong Kong. I don't know if Africa is developed enough yet to have these type of industry specific events but these are the places people network from around the world. I would love to attend an International toy show in Africa. Or a textiles conference. I wonder if we could coordinate that type thing from the states?

Temujin,

I don't know of any banks with ties to Africa already. That's where your organization comes in. With proper research and a good core team, a black bank will jump at the chance to invest. Investors needs selling. You have to be that salesman.

What I am talking about is a large fund, housed and managed by a black-owned financial institution that manages investments (perhaps Jackson Securities in Atlanta.) Well-researched, with a definite ROI, that looks and plays like a bond.

Blacks can invest in that fund, backed by an International Standard (gold, perhaps), and ROI is shared by the stockholder and the African governmental body.

Advertised as the fund that will help in re-building Africa, this fund will become the premier fund invested by African-Americans. Get Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, P-Diddy, somebody to endorse it and "BOOM!" If you are REAALLY black... you'll have THIS fund in your portfolio!

Now, I'm not an investment banker, but somebody out there is! Help a brother out!


I believe that answer can definitely be solved by these folks that logon to this forum. Somebody out there's a lawyer. Somebody out there's into politics. Somebody's a banker.



tian

 

[Greed]

you should make a different thread on the main board and provide a link to this thread. its just the same old rotten carcasses on the politics board. the main board has the fresh meat and depth of knowledge that you're looking for. people that come to BGOL for the ass and clowning and to relax, but dont make it a priority in any way shape or form to come to the politics board.

plus, when Que gets a chance i'm sure he would sticky it on the main board so everyone can see it. he's done it for different posters a few times already.

 

[Greed]

well, this post isnt dead at all.

hey tian, why dont you add some of that dick cheney is the devil talk so people will want to post in this thread.

 

[Spectrum]

I'm sponsoring two childred through Worldvision. I'm going to add 1 kid every four months. I'm actually going to visit two of them later this year or early next year.

 

[Greed]

another option...

http://www.africamutualfunds.com

 

[Spectrum]

Also, like it or not, the more troubled African nations needs to develop a STRONG socialist system. The abuses that a pure capitalist system would lead to would be catastrophic and forced distribution of wealth and resources could stifle the Charles Taylors of the world before they could even get started.>>>

I believe that strong socialistic system have always undeniably attributed to the ills you wish to illuminate. Study history for the endless examples.

 

[Greed]

sticky? let free market forces reign supreme.

when this shit falls to page 8 that means people dont care and are full of shit.

no names of course. cant get personal.

 

[Zero]

Also, like it or not, the more troubled African nations needs to develop a STRONG socialist system. The abuses that a pure capitalist system would lead to would be catastrophic and forced distribution of wealth and resources could stifle the Charles Taylors of the world before they could even get started.>>>

I believe that strong socialistic system have always undeniably attributed to the ills you wish to illuminate. Study history for the endless examples.

Maybe I should have said Socialist programs. What I meant was not socialism as a government system, something more like the systems that built this country up.

Guaranteed education
Poverty programs
Food programs
Jobs programs and training
etc.

Making a country wealthy when the wealth is gonna just end up being held by a select few while the rest of the country starves is pointless. The money has to be used to build an infrastructure, not a presidential palace.

 

[BigDaddyBuk]

it's hard to get help to the folks who really need it. you've got corrupt governements on one hand, EXILED governments on another, GREEDY governments on yet another, military barons on another, and fucked up business people slithering through the whole things. you have to be an octopus to keep up with all those...

but it's still possible.

 

[QueEx]

.

http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/international/africa/

.

 

[shanebp1978]

Anyone read any literature from George Ayittey

Africa Unchained
The Blueprint for Africa's Future

by George Ayittey

Palgrave

Due/Published April 2004, 302 pages, cloth

Ayittey takes a controversial look at Africa's future and makes a number of daring suggestions. Looking at how Africa can modernize, build, and improve their indigenous institutions which have been castigated by African leaders as "backward and primitive," Ayittey argues that Africa should build and expand upon these traditions of free markets and free trade. Asking why the poorest Africans haven't been able to prosper in the 21st century, Ayittey makes the answer obvious: their economic freedom was snatched from them. War and conflict replaced peace and the infrastructure crumbled. In a book that will be pondered over and argued about as much as his previous volumes, Ayittey looks at the possibiliteis for indigenous structures to revive a troubled continent.

 

[Havoc]

With that said, a lot of people don't help because the majority of those african regimes are more corrupt that our regimes in the western world. Money goes there and does not help those who need it.

we should remove these corrupt regime like we did in iraq, and install free institutions that are needed for democracy to take hold.[/QUOTE]

I agree with all of this, especially the part in bold. Hopefully the next president will take that chance, although for some reason, I highly doubt it.

 

[The Brick]

With that said, a lot of people don't help because the majority of those african regimes are more corrupt that our regimes in the western world. Money goes there and does not help those who need it.

we should remove these corrupt regime like we did in iraq, and install free institutions that are needed for democracy to take hold.[/QUOTE]

I agree with all of this, especially the part in bold. Hopefully the next president will take that chance, although for some reason, I highly doubt it.

You know, although this may seem like a good business venture or something humanistic for the people who live under those regimes, I can't think of any point in history where regime-removal from outside forces has ever resulted in a stable environment in that country. What will need to take place is something more invested...especially since we all speak about making ties with our (distant) relatives on the continent.

 

[PussyMan]

African Americans and almost all black races stem from Africa. Most were moved during the Slave trade.

Isn't it time for African countries to give blacks in the diaspora a chance to return by automatically granting them African Nationality ?

For instance, an African American, or a black in Brazil or the West Indies could choose any african country and once he/she applies for a passport/nationality they can get it.

wot are the implications and costs of going down such a route ?

Dual nationality is an option so the returning black does not need to give up the nationality of their country of origin.

 

[LionKing]

First step is self love. Have the "audacity" to identify yourself as African. Enough of being a hyphenated/spaced people (African American) or gross caricature(sp?) "black." If two immigrant Japanese have a child in America who is then a citizen of America we have no issue if the child says hey I'm Japanese. Call yourself an African though and people look at you as if you were speaking Klingon.

Once you know you're African you'll work to do something to help the place you came from.

 

[Greed]

sticky? let free market forces reign supreme.

when this shit falls to page 8 that means people dont care and are full of shit.

no names of course. cant get personal.

well what do you know, i actually did find this thread on page eight.