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The
efficacy and effectiveness
of
local solutions to local problems--especially in Africa--is
gaining momentum as a powerful theory of philanthropy. For
example, despite theenormous increase in the number of orphans
from HIV/AIDS, there has not been an increase in orphanges.
They are rare, because relatives and neighbors often absorbthese
children into their own families. According to the New England
Journal of Medicine, the support of local efforts in Africa
to improve the education, health, and welfare of children
have results comparable to international organizations at
one tenth the cost. These effortsare usually the poor helping
the destitute. They exist without external support;they flourish
with tiny amounts of capital. Rather than creating dependency,
they build long term self-sufficiency.
Molo Care uses
this model, providing small amounts of capital to well
trusted principals and community leaders.As the first
American visitors to Cebelile Primary, in 2000, we were
impressed by thesincerity and dedication of the families
and staff. We left them $500 US dollars, as seed money
for a much longed for library. Six months later, we received
an envelope of sweat stained receipts, down to the last
nail. The labor came from the hands and hearts of parents
who were able to build a modest, but clean and quiet place
to study and learn.
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