Live 8

"The G8 leaders have it within their power to alter history. They will only have the will to do so if tens of thousands of people show them that enough is enough.
By doubling aid, fully cancelling debt, and delivering trade justice for Africa, the G8 could change the future for millions of men, women and children." - Bob Geldof of Live 8

I wish Bob Geldof was right and it was that simple. I commend everyone at Live 8 for their work and their intentions. However, the problem is a lot deeper than money. Even IF we canceled all the debt and increased the aid, it still won't solve Africa's problems. Don't get me wrong...I think we SHOULD reduce the debt in Africa and we SHOULD increase aid, but if we don't address the root issues we are throwing good money after bad. The United states gives Zambia approximately $250 million dollars per year in aid. There are only 10 million people in the whole country!
Where is all the cash from the United States and other countries going? You would think that all the money from the U.S. would be making a dent at this point. It's not going into the roads, or education, or orphanages, or hospitals, or AIDS prevention, or malaria research. Some would argue that it's all going to debt re-payment...that's part of it, but there is still lots of money unaccounted for. Go to the city of Ndola and look for the AIDS awareness campaign...you'll search in vain because there is no campaign. The problem is leadership...and I'm not talking about the president of Zambia. I'm talking about a lack of intiative leadership on the entire continent. Yes, there are incredible leaders in Africa, but not as many as are necessary given the scope of the challenges. Before we throw more resources at Africa, let's take the long, tough road of training leadership to use the resources (not hand-holding, not parenting...EMPOWERMENT). Otherwise we are going to be in the same place 20 years from now. Until the issue of African leadership is addressed, the money will keep disappearing and the people who need it most won't see it.
Here's a challenge to the producers, promoters, artists, and supporters of Live 8: First of all, thanks for your hearts and hard work. You are incredibly talented, highly-trained westerners. The poorest of you have more money than most of the inhabitants of the continent of Africa. The wealthiest of you are among the richest people on the earth. I challenge you to consider doing more than donating and raising money for Africa. Give the most valuable resource you own. GO to Africa yourself and use your skills. Adopt an African nation and use the knowledge you have been given to train Africans personally. Start an orphange, take on some public schools, work with a local church - develop leaders who can take over what you start and train others to do the same. That's how poverty in Africa will be stopped.