World Vision Report

Cutting Your Coat To Fit the Cloth

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:30:58 PDT

Some contribute to Africa by writing a check, others volunteer time. Still others make it their life's vocation as an aid worker.

A few years ago, Dave Snyder was working in Ghana for Catholic Relief Services when he came across David Mbamba. Mbamba is part of a large family, and his parents depend on him to contribute to the family income. In this Aid Worker Diary, Dave Snyder explains why that responsibility can mean unfulfilled dreams.

Music for this show ...

John McArthur: Millennium Promise

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:30:58 PDT

Many in the aid community and elsewhere disagree with Dambisa Moyo, author of the new book, Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa. Her views are controversial, especially among those who are working feverishly to meet the Millennium Development Goals and who see progress being made.

Those are the eight targets agreed to by nearly 200 countries and all the major development organizations. They include cutting extreme poverty in half, halting the spread of HIV/AIDS, and reducing infant mortality, all by the year 2015. These are ambitious goals that have been slightly derailed by the recent economic downturn, but many are still committed to their fulfillment. One of them is John McArthur, head of the nonprofit Millennium Promise, and he talks with Peggy Wehmeyer.

Music for this show ...

Highlife

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:30:58 PDT

President Obama's visit to Ghana is creating a lot of excitement in that country, which may likely lead to celebratory dancing in the streets. A favorite kind of dance music throughout Ghana is called "highlife." And it's the subject of this week's discussion with the World Vision Report's guide to global music, Ish Mafundikwa.

Music for this show ...

Dead Aid

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:30:58 PDT

According to author Dambisa Moyo, aid to Africa doesn't work. It fuels corruption and creates dependence. Her new book, Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa, is causing quite a buzz.

Moyo is an economist, a former consultant to the World Bank, worked for Goldman Sachs for eight years, and now sits on several corporate boards. She was born and raised in Zambia and educated at Oxford and Harvard. The thesis of her book â- that foreign aid is not good for Africa â- has renewed an old debate about foreign aid, especially among those who work in the aid community.

Listen to the interview with Dambisa Moyo. Then for the opposing view listen to Peggy Wehmeyer's discussion with economist John McArthur, head of Millennium Promise.

Music for this show ...

Yes We Can

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:30:58 PDT

The campaign slogan "Yes, we can" helped propel Obama into the White House. Now it's been adopted by a group in Ghana who hope the theme will also inspire their fellow countrymen.

The group, Friends for Obama, first surfaced during the American primaries last year. That's when members began encouraging Ghanaian ex-pats in the U.S. to vote for Obama. Now it's holding rallies to celebrate the President's visit and raising money to build a hospital and day care center.

Music for this show ...

Ghanaian Taxi Drivers

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:30:58 PDT

President Obama's visit to Ghana has created a lot of excitement in the West African country. Ghanaians are proud of the progress their country has made in recent years: democratic elections, economic growth and increasing prosperity. In fact, many Africa-watchers see Ghana as a beacon of hope on the continent.

Among the proud are Ghanaians in New York, many of whom are taxi drivers. As Anna Boiko-Weyrauch reports, they've banded together to recreate that sense of home they miss, and to make their tough taxi jobs just a little easier.

Music for this show ...