An immunization clinic in Cambodia. Photo: Cambodia4Kids

Those of us living in the Western world have the luxury of indulging in debates about whether we should get vaccinated for common, deadly diseases.

For many people in developing countries, though, vaccines could–all debate aside–perform life-saving functions, particularly in areas where sanitation and public health services are in limited supply.

And many people in those areas don’t need to think about debating vaccines because they simply can’t afford to get them or they live in communities far from clinics where vaccines are administered.

Those are the people the Gates Foundation hopes to reach with its new vaccine initiative, announced last Friday at the Davos World Economic Forum.

The Gates Foundation announced that it would dedicate more than $10 billion USD to vaccines over the coming 10 years. “Why now?” asked Melinda Gates, the wife and philanthropic partner of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. “Because of the success we’ve seen” with the work they’ve done so far.

Among those successes are the eradication of polio from all but four countries in the world, the distribution of rotovirus vaccine (a diarrheal disease that kills babies and young children), and the ongoing research into the development of a malaria vaccine and an HIV/AIDS vaccine. At present, malaria kills more than 880,000 people every year.

“Our commitment isn’t enough to take full advantage of what needs to be done,” Bill Gates said at the press conference announcing the aid, inviting government, pharmaceutical, research and development, and private sector support to realize the full potential of what Gates calls “the decade of vaccines.”

According to the Gates Foundation, the vaccine project has the potential to save more than 8 million lives by 2020.

Watch the Gates’ full announcement of the initiative in this video:

What do you think about the Gates’ declaring the next 10 years “the decade of vaccines”? Do you support their vaccination project? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Community Connection:

Read more about the development of the malaria vaccine in In Search of a Malaria Vaccine: What Travelers Should Know.

A baby from Seva Jyothi Leprosy Colony in Andra Pradesh, India. Photo: jcandeli/ Feature Photo: amanderson2

Every day thousands of people across the world are diagnosed with leprosy. But what exactly is leprosy? And why should we care about World Leprosy Day?

What is Leprosy?

Leprosy is a chronic condition caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Leprae. First identified by Norwegian physician G.A. Hansen in 1873, it is also known as Hansen’s disease.

Leprosy affects the nervous system, damaging the nerves and eventually manifesting in deformities along the hands, feet, and face. In extreme cases, patchy skin is accompanied by loss of sensation, clawing (of hands and feet), and even loss of limbs.

Leprosy Treatment

Leprosy treatment consists of a very effective multi-drug therapy (MDT), a cocktail of three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. Early detection and treatment ensure infection is stamped out within no time; if leprosy has progressed, treatment will cure infection, but not the resulting deformity.

Global Spread and Stigma

Given the easy availability of medication, leprosy should be a thing of the past, yet it remains a problem, especially in poverty stricken regions of the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and Latin America.

This continued prevalence of leprosy is a result of historical stigma, traced back to a time when patchy skin and clawed hands meant isolation in leper colonies. Leprosy continues to instill fear and discrimination; even today leprosy stigma devastates social and economic ties, along with healthy living.

It is this very stigma that obstructs early reporting, effective treatment, and recovery.Stigma leads to progression of the disease and deformity, causing further isolation.

A number of local and global agencies, including Seva Life Project, WHO, LEPRA and ILEP are attempting to address these very issues to eradicate leprosy worldwide.

World Leprosy Day – Eradication through Awareness

World Leprosy Day aims to increase awareness and make treatment more accessible to those in need. As stated on the ILEP website:

World Leprosy Day was created in 1954 by Raoul Follereau “so that people affected by leprosy could be cared for like all others who are ill and so that those in good health could be cured of their absurd and often criminal fear of this disease and those who are affected by it.”

In other words, leprosy eradication requires the changing social perception of leprosy; by recognizing leprosy as just another curable illness, social stigma can be eliminated, thereby increasing chances of early reporting and cure.

The process also includes monitoring availability of medication and training personnel in proper diagnosis and patient care. Patient rehabilitation – social, economic and physical – is also important, allowing them to reintegrate into society. These very points form the crux of WHO’s “Final Push” strategy for the elimination of leprosy.

How can you help?
Organizations fighting leprosy are constantly in need of support, donations, and volunteers to eradicate leprosy and improve lives worldwide.

Community Connection:

Read more about India, one country where leprosy rates are high. “India, Poverty, and the Fear of Traveling to Poor Places” is just one of many articles in our archives.

Photo: mckaysavage

About a month ago, I read about an organization via Twitter. Excited, I pitched the story to Matador’s managing editor, Julie Schwietert. Once Julie gave me the green signal, I plunged into research, almost convinced I would come up with a favorable piece on the organization.

Instead, my research led me to question everything about the organization’s “mission.”

Disparities and Contradictions

First, the organization claimed it was providing employment to rural women. While this was true, I discovered that only individuals who had passed the tenth grade were eligible for employment.

While that is fine as a rule, the PR person I was corresponding with said something to the effect of, “I’m not sure how much you know about rural India, but passing… tenth… is not really a big deal.”

Looking at statistics, one will realize that in India, far more women are married off at an early age than men are, and often without any education. Interestingly, this particular organization is located in Rajasthan, a state with a literacy rate below the national average.

If you think about what the organization states as its mission and what I learned during my research, you will notice the disparity immediately.

Digging Deeper

Further research led to an article about the organization that explained how women who were already employed as teachers were leaving their jobs to work in this company, doing data entry work for “global” clients.

Photo: niyam bhushan

Illiteracy is a huge problem in India and these women were being moved from the educational sector to do jobs that dealt with “computers”? Some were getting paid even less than what they were being paid in schools.

I concluded the organization was doing a great disservice to the educational sector by employing potential educators. And the fact the women were getting paid less seemed exploitative to me. The company was a business venture posturing as an organization promoting social change.

Second, the organization stated it was committed to employing women because money in the hands of women would mean empowerment for their families. When I questioned them about their maternity leave policy, they promptly said they don’t have one, but they let women rejoin the company without any penalties.

They added that their policies correspond with the rules of the government of India. But the government of India has generous rules in this area, offering 12 weeks of maternity leave.

Lessons Learned

I’m not attempting to bring an organization down. As a writer, I believe that it is my duty and responsibility to be transparent with readers. Matador’s senior editor, David Miller talks about having “material transparency” in one’s writing- where one must state one’s own political position such that the reader will understand where s/he is coming from.

I am a liberal feminist and this makes it very difficult for me to write a favorable piece about an organization which seems to be doing more harm than good to rural women, and is not actually reaching out to the absolutely marginalized- poor illiterate women.

The Takeaway

The lessons I learned from researching this organization lead to insights I’d like to share with you so you can learn how to evaluate an organization’s claims:

1. Do your preliminary research and ask questions.

Ask these questions:
Where is the organization located? What do statistics indicate? Is the organization really helping local people? What is the evidence to prove their claims? If you have a feeling the organization isn’t true to its mission, don’t let your emotions cloud your judgement.

2. Check facts.

Photo: shimgray

Nothing is worse than getting your facts wrong. It diminishes your credibility as a writer and gives your readers the impression that you’ve just not taken the time to research your article carefully.

3. Remember that the organization will want coverage and will often give you only the positive aspects of the story.

While I understand they are obviously enthusiastic about having their organization covered by the media, it is also important for you to ask probing questions of PR representatives and do independent research.

4. Maintain journalistic integrity.

As a young journalist just starting out, people may bully you into writing things about them. Don’t allow that- remember that your editor trusts you and your readers trust you. It is more important to be true to them and to yourself than be “nice” and write a favorable piece about an organization just because you think you’re somehow compelled to.

You’re not.

5. Give credit where it’s due.

Often people who lead us to a story or PR personnel who spend hours of their time explaining their angle go unacknowledged. Credit your sources and send them thank you mails/ tweets to convey your gratitude.

Community Connection:

Reeti Roy is a student in Matador’s travel writing school, MatadorU. Join her in her learning journey! Sign up for MatadorU today.

Cartoon by MatadorNights co-editor Kate Sedgwick. All rights reserved.

Community Connection:

What do you think about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case? Share your thoughts below.

Map of Haiti on the wall at the Haitian Consulate, NYC, Photos: Francisco Collazo

As the editor of MatadorChange–the Matador blog focused on social change, environmental awareness, and community building–I felt compelled to organize Matador’s response to the earthquake in Haiti. What follows below are hastily scribbled notes written on receipts, in a rain-soaked notebook, and on the back of my grocery list during one of the most intense weeks I’ve ever experienced.

**
1. Francisco is serving dinner when we hear about the earthquake in Haiti. The idea to use Twitter to mobilize a relief effort comes immediately.

2. I cared about the Sichuan earthquake. I cared about the Aceh tsunami. But there’s something about Haiti being in the Caribbean–closer to home, a place where I’ve spent a lot of time, a place I know well–that makes the disaster seem more concrete, less abstract, and more urgent.

3. We are in a waiting room at the Consulate. “My family is sleeping in their car because the house is falling down,” says a young woman–22 maybe?– whose hair is combed carefully into place, whose clothes are pressed. “Your big beautiful house?” the Consul says, his voice rising into the question.

The Consul

They are cousins. Hers is not a horror story within this palimpsest of disaster, but it’s terrible enough. Everyone’s suffering is individual, and, to that extent, is relative.

4. “A lady is crying in the hall,” Francisco whispers to me. “She just learned that she lost someone.”

5. “Logistics” is a word I’ll avoid using for a long time.

6. What’s more haphazard: disaster or disaster response?

7. I think of 9/11, of Katrina, of the pervasive sense of powerlessness so many people feel. What I want to do is help people feel they can contribute meaningfully.

8. The vultures are circling at the consulate. The fat man has medicine to send, but “Somebody’s gotta pay for it.” The other economic hit men, talking about bulldozers and helicopters, rub their hands together and talk about the “return on investment,” about “long-term gains.” One looks at me and sighs, “Bureaucracy is such a pain.” Does he expect me to empathize with him?

9. In a way, though, I do. Empathize with him, I mean. I want to say: “Fuck red tape. People are dying.”

10. I wish I could draw what this process looks like. It would look chaotic but ordered. For some reason, I get the sense it would be easier to explain and understand that way.

11. I’ve become so dependent on Twitter, I find myself writing #Haiti with a hash tag no matter where I’m writing.

12. The Consul says he is hungry. He says it as if he’s not in the middle of coordinating a response to a disaster. I’m not sure what to make of his seeming calm.

13. I take a nap with Francisco and Mariel. We sleep close together, as if disaster might touch us while we’re not awake. I dream of falling down a long, narrow flight of stairs. When I look up the symbolism of this dream, there are mixed messages: one, a fear of failure. The other, an object of envy. I don’t know what to make of this, but it leaves me unsettled.

14. More than 1,500 emails. I have sent more than 500 replies and my gmail is blocked. I set up a secondary account. It fills up quickly. So many people want to help. I am awed by this, am grateful. And slightly overwhelmed.

15. I’ve “met” some phenomenal people: Rene, in Chicago, who’s in contact with an organization that may take some of our volunteers. Daniel in Miami, who’s working on press. Jess and Carlos here in New York, handling our volunteer list and picking up donations, respectively. Jackie in Boston, who’s focused on collecting donations for babies and kids. Andrea in central Florida, who has tons of water (literally) ready to ship. And Matador members- Gabriela, Cathey, Allen, to name just a few– all pitching in in different ways. I think, as I always do in extraordinary situations, what could we do together beyond disaster?

16. Three days into this, and I’ve forgotten what I was doing before the quake. Francisco says I should take a shower. I’ve been sitting in front of the computer or on the phone for 13 hours today.

Vigil in a Haitian neighborhood in Brooklyn

17. Coordinating well-meaning people gets complicated. From the outside, it’s hard to see how much work it takes to put together something as simple as getting donations to a warehouse. Everyone wants an answer now. Answering now is not possible.

18. When it’s night, I don’t sleep well. My last thought is of the Bresma kids, sleeping in a yard. Under other circumstances, there might be something adventurous about that. Under these circumstances, it’s terrifying.

19. And that’s why I say to Francisco before we fall asleep one night–which night?– “I just can’t imagine. I’m torn up over it.” I can’t even say “the babies,” our 3.5 month old daughter sleeping soundly between us. “You’ve got to stop,” he says, reaching over and touching my hair. He means to stop thinking about it. It. The babies.

20. We have mobilized thousands of people to take tangible action. It’s exhilirating. It’s complicated.

21. It’s been two weeks and two days since the quake. I was waiting to end this with some hopeful note. So far, I’m not sure what that would be.

Mai Alyschild, RN volunteering in Haiti

Mai Alyschild retired from her job as a psychiatric nurse at San Francisco General Hospital when she turned 60.

That was five years ago.

Rather than join a bridge club or take up knitting, Alyschild began pursuing a different pastime: humanitarian work in the developing world.

Alyschild has conducted a study on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in rural Afghanistan; worked in Nairobi’s Kibera Hospital and AIDS Clinic; and has gained extensive experience in disaster relief, having provided medical assistance after an earthquake in Peru and a flood in Villahermosa, Mexico.

Alyschild, the mother of a friend of Brave New Traveler co-editor, Christine Garvin, has been on the ground in Haiti helping with earthquake relief efforts since January 21. She has been keeping a running journal of her impressions and experiences on Facebook, where her status updates give the rest of us an unedited, unscripted sense of what it’s like to be volunteering in Haiti right now:

Thursday, January 21: Oh.My.God

“We made it through the 7th level of hell (immigration bs/customs at the border). We were besieged by desperate hungry children at every turn….

…[W]e are …at the UN compound at the airport in Port-au-Prince. The Turkish NGO, Helping Hands, is feeding us dolmas and dates and grapes – after going hungry all day…. We will start work at the Hospital near the palace Nacional tomorrow.”

Friday, January 22: Greetings from UN Hospital

Photo: The US Army

“I no sooner got my scrubs on this morning at 6am when I was immediately coopted by the UN hospital here on the airport grounds… they were desperate for nurses… over 100 pt’s in the post-op recovery tent and 45 in the Pedi/Kids tent…(eek) and a full surgical theatre… with choppers airlifting in more pt’s every 1/2 hr from ground zero with gangrenous open wounds.

I was assigned vitals, wound care and hydration/nutrition… wound care was a bit daunting but the other nurses and I all pulled together and no one died…

[W]orked 12 hours running my ass off…and there was never enough time…everyone hollering “Doctora” “Doctora!” at me…. (This place makes “Mash” look like a 4-star hospital).

We even conscripted carpenters to ma[ke] us more OR surgery tables… as we needed them!
One funny thing: a team of Scientologists showed up to feed the Dr.s and Nurses hot chicken soup (bless them).
I may be here for awhile.”

Saturday, January 23: Day 3 at UN Hosp Hell City

“It is NOT getting any better…. The CDC would shut us down in a heartbeat for (absent) infection precautions… but what can we do??…. I want to scream at all the voyeuristic media hanging around, ‘Go home and send us nurses!’”

Sunday, January 24: 3-dot journalism

“passing soup across the cracked lips of a 96 yr old Creole woman…
one constancy intrudes: the whup-whup-whup of incoming choppers
and your gut tenses, wondering What now??

Untenses in the brief respites around coffee urns with colleagues
14 lenguas…two phrases in common:
‘What do you need?…How can I help?’

One certainty: I am where I need to be
You’d have to drag me away from here

Every moment you are ‘in the moment’
paying attention to the need in front of you.”

Monday, January 25: UN Hosp…

“Checking charts: (well, ‘charts’ is a bit of a stretch…stapled together sheets of paper)
‘TB positive’…’sickle-cell crisis’…’Hypertensive’…’rule out Typhoid’…’chicken pox isolation.’

Earthquake survivor, Photo: UN Development Programme

How many ways can the human body crump [sic] on you aside from earthquake trauma?

Don’t ask.”

Tuesday, January 26: How long have I been here?? IT FEELS LIKE A MONTH.

“Received ‘NO Code’ patient in advanced AIDS with advanced tetanus… prognosis: 24 hrs. Family at bedside
I gave him care and had a translator explain that this was their time to say goodbyes….

…[T]his is going to be Hell for the foreseeable future….

Tuesday, January 26: Reality bites

…Tonight a Haitian band came in and played some rousing gospel music and the patients families got up off the floor and began dancing and shouting in all the available open spaces…it was a sight to behold. Somehow they find it in their heart to be joyful for just being alive in the face of such dire adversity.

There is surely a lesson there for all of us….

Wednesday, January 27: Stress rears its ugly head

“I resorted to sneaking food from the mess to patients families who are here overnight without much to eat. Officially we have ‘only enough for patients and staff’ but there are cargoloads of donated food/supplies coming in every day marked ‘For the people of Haiti’ (I didn’t see any marked ‘for patients and staff only’).”

Wednesday, January 27: Greetings from (now) an armed camp

Previously known as the UN Hospital.
“The Army has taken it upon themselves and in a matter of 8 hours pounded posts in and hung a 6 foot chain link fence around the hospital to prevent locals and looters from coming into our camp.

I asked one: ‘Is that to keep the nurses in here from fleeing this scene?’ He laughed out loud.

Big problem: Cargoloads of donated items flown in in crates and dumped on our doorstep but no time or personnel to go thorough [sic] them and find what we need and get it on shelves… too busy with the need in front of us.”

Community Connection:

Another perspective on Haiti in this post-quake period is provided by students at the local film institute in the town of Jacmel. Check out MatadorTV’s video: After the Earthquake: A Compilation of Cine Institute Coverage.

Photo: takomabibelot

In case you missed it–which is entirely possible, given that mainstream media made a quick mention of it and moved on to the next big thing–the US Supreme Court handed down an alarming ruling in a critical case last week concerning the role of corporate America’s influence in American politics.

In brief, the justices ruled in a 5-4 decision that the US government can neither prohibit nor control corporations’ political spending in elections. In a rather astonishing leap of (il)logic, the majority decision stated that spending is a form of speech, and as such, spending can’t be controlled by the government because imposing controls would be a violation of the First Amendment.

Well, money does talk, but as Justice John Stephens expressed in his 90-page dissenting opinion, corporate speech (made possible by deep pockets) and the speech of individual Americans aren’t exactly equivalent.

With this in mind, we argue there are at least five reasons why last week’s Supreme Court decision means the end of democracy as we know it:

1. Because it’s an alarming precedent for illogical judicial analysis.

The judicial branch of federal government plays a crucial role in Americans’ lives.

It affects our education, our relationships, and our bodies.

It’s precisely because it’s so powerful that Americans depend upon its decisions to be rooted in the most thoughtful and careful analysis of the law possible.

And in this decision, such analysis was absent.

As MatadorTrips co-editor Hal Amen observed, “I don’t believe relaxing campaign spending restrictions has anything to do with free speech.”

The fact that the Court made a case otherwise sets an alarming precedent for this Court with respect to its ability to analyze legal matters logically.

2. Because it shows just how pervasive the corporatocracy is…

Corporate lobbyists already exert almost unimaginable influence over politics, law, and daily life in the United States.

Graphic: OpenSecrets

They determine everything from what kids eat for lunch in public school cafeterias to what warnings the EPA can compel manufacturers to attach to their products.

And corporate interests have long shaped our foreign policy, from Latin America to the Middle East.

Do we really need more of their meddling? Do they really need any more power?

3. and emboldens them even more.

If you thought the arrogance of corporate America had reached unsurpassable heights (see AIG and big banks’ bonus fiascos), then just wait. Corporate America just got a big blank check, signed by the Supreme Court.

4. Because it further exposes the hypocrisy of American “democracy” to the rest of the world.

As we continue our world tour for democracy, claiming that we’re going to liberate “oppressed” countries from their self-interested “dictators,” we might want to take a minute to reformulate our elevator speech, because the jig is up: the self-interested party is corporate America.

5. Because it means that the little guy just got even smaller.

It used to be that anyone who met the requirements of office could aspire to public service through politics. Exhibit A? Jimmy Carter.

This was a hallmark of American politics.

No longer.

Unless you’re a friend of big business, forget your political aspirations.

Community Connection:

What’s your opinion of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, No. 08-205? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Feature Photo: monique / Photo above: NREL Solar Decathlon

Many national non-profits make their homes in Washington, D.C. and are looking for volunteers. For those of us who have a spare moment to volunteer while visiting the nation’s capital ( it’s a great place to experience, but you’ll have some free time once all those monuments start to look the same), volunteering with local organizations can make all the difference in the lives of your fellow American.

SHORT TERM

WPFW 89.3 FM

D.C.’s only jazz and blues station is looking for volunteers to help with fundraisers, answer phones, and record incoming pledges to help this listener-supported radio stay on the air. During call-in fundraisers, pledge-drive shifts are 4 hours long and are available throughout the day. For other info about on-going opportunities, contact WPFW’s Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@wpfw.org or at (202)588-0999 ex. 360. Groups of 4 or more will be recognized on the air!

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry providing skills for tomorrow’s work force. This organization allows participants to learn about industries that interest them. Short term events such as judging skills preparedness at national conventions or conducting leadership and communication programs are available.

If you are interested in passing on technical knowledge you have learned, and connecting with tomorrow’s work force, contact SkillsUSA.

Community for Creative Non-Violence

Located just a few blocks from the Capitol Building, CCNV houses 1,350 homeless men and women. This organization offers drug and alcohol rehabilitation, medical, mental health and dental care, and cultural activities. Volunteers are needed at all times to assist in providing services to the residents of the nation’s largest transitional homeless shelter. Call (202) 393-1909 for more information.

LONG TERM

Howard University

For people putting down roots in D.C., the Community Services program at Howard University’s medical center offers healthy individuals 19 and up the opportunity to work in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, community relations and child care, among others. This program gives people interested in the health care field the chance to get hands-on experience working with patients before going into rigorous studies or switching tracks. After an orientation session (see the website for dates and details) and a health and background check, participants are asked to contribute a minimum of 100 hours a year with this program. Email CLivingston@huhosp.org or call (202) 865-4238 with any questions.

The Nature Conservancy in Maryland/District of Columbia

The people working here to save the planet, to share wild spaces with city dwellers, and to educate others know that volunteers aren’t just “free labor.” Whether you want to get your hands dirty or work inside with maps and database systems, the Nature Conservancy is a great place to put your love for nature to work. To learn more, contact Paula Becker at (410) 260-8568 or PBECKER@dnr.state.md.us.

Jubilee Youth Services (JYS)

JYS of Jubilee Housing, Inc, a non-profit organization founded in 1973 to provide affordable housing and supportive services to economically disadvantaged residents of the neighborhood.

JYS is an after-school enrichment program located in the Adams Morgan area that needs people interested in mentoring or tutoring the youth it serves. As a volunteer, you have the option of working with the age group of your choice (K-2nd, 3rd-6th or 7th-12th) in an interest area that falls in line with your personal strengths and talents. All volunteers must attend an orientation as well as agree to a background check. Spanish language skills are helpful, but not required. More info can be found on the Jubilee Housing website.

BOTH

Healthy Babies Project Inc.

For almost 20 years, this drop-in facility has worked with other agencies to provide education and training to at-risk moms in the D.C. metro area. In an effort to reduce infant illness and mortality, the Healthy Babies Project offers substance abuse counseling and intervention as well as immunization programs to the public. Volunteers work with children, media outreach, or prepare food. For more information, contact Kristol Parker at (202) 396-2809 or fill out the online application.

Bread for the City

This non-profit organization provides at-risk residents of Washington, D.C. with food, clothing, medical care, legal and social services. Volunteers who wish to work in the kitchen must commit to one shift a week, and are asked to work for at least four months to establish continuity in the lives of the people they work with. Short term opportunities are available, so visit the organization’s website for more information.

Covenant House Washington

Covenant House has been combating the widespread problems of homelessness and poverty among teenagers and young adults since 1995. You can help street kids become successful adults by working as an educational tutor or Life Skills Assistant. Visit the website to see the list of upcoming and annual events put on by the largest privately funded homelessness agency in the Americas.  

Complete the Volunteer Interest Form, or call (202) 610-9600 to speak to the volunteer coordinator and get started.

Community Connection:

Check out the other cities in our urban volunteering series – Buenos Aires, Chicago, and London.

Chris Mburu, recipient of educational assistance, Harvard grad, & UN human rights lawyer; Photo from A Small Act

A few months ago, an acquaintance was talking with me about Mexican children whose education she sponsors. She obviously felt good about the effects she believed her quarterly donations were having in the lives of a few kids; she spoke energetically, smiling a lot, describing the changes she imagined had been brought into their lives as the result of her modest contribution.

I didn’t say much, just listened. Honestly, I was skeptical about the kind of situation she was describing. While I’m an advocate of micro-loans, I’ve always been suspicious of supposed educational sponsorship programs. Unlike a micro-loan administered by an organization like Kiva, educational assistance programs are often far less transparent.

And so it was with interest that I read an article in last Sunday’s New York Times about an exceptional outcome in a case where a woman living in Sweden paid $15 USD per quarter for a Kenyan boy’s school fees… and he went on to become a Harvard graduate and human rights lawyer working for the United Nations.

Their story is told in the documentary “A Small Act,” which debuted at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival last week. Here’s the trailer:

The film will be shown on HBO later this year.

Community Connection:

Want to learn more about what happens to your donations? Read two viewpoints on micro-loans: Why We Need Micro-loans Instead of Slum Tourism and Hand Up or Help Out?: The Case Against Micro-loans.

Photo: courtneyrae312

Allen Burt, a long-time Matador member and contributor, describes himself as a “former business consultant turned vagabond and social entrepreneur” in his Matador profile, so we’re not surprised he has organized a fundraiser for Haiti.

Burt, who’s also one of the co-founders of Library for Laos, invites Matador members and readers to the Hope 4 Haiti Happy Hour, which will be held in Chicago this Friday.

Here are all the details:

Date: Friday, January 29
Location: Hi-Tops: 2462 N. Lincoln Avenue (between Altgeld & Montana Streets) , Chicago
Time: 8-10 PM
Deal: From 8-10 PM, $30 all-you-can-drink domestic drafts and well drinks, as well as $2 shots and $5 bombs. From 10pm to close, it’s $3 “you-call-its” with your wristband. Appetizers will also be served.
Proceeds: 100% OF MONEY COLLECTED WILL GO TO SAVE THE CHILDREN

Save the Children has worked in Haiti since 1978 and currently has more than 200 staff on the ground in the country. It has set up and staffed a mobile health clinic in Leogane and Jacmel, and is working urgently to prevent public health crises among infants and children in the aftermath of the quake.

Charity Navigator gives Save the Children a four star rating, noting that the organization allocates 91.7% of funds raised to actual services (the remainder are used for administrative and additional fund raising costs).

Anonymous donors will match the first $600 of donations.

Even if you can’t attend the event, donations are being accepted through the fund raising website set up for the event. Donations will also be taken at the door on Friday night.

Community Connection:

Read about other ways money is being raised for Haiti: Help for Haiti: Big Music Gets in on the Act