Not trying to preach ... but ..

[TT-Kira]

It seems there's a lot of people wanting to make a difference. Fantastic, I applaud all of you!

However, it makes me angry when I'm 'on the ground' in Asia, Africa etc that not much of the 'NGO' money gets through; there's too much being used in Europe by 'fat cats' slating it off to admin costs, wanting to make a trip etc not much gets through.

Even when it is in need it can go disastrously wrong! One case I can think of (many) is an Oxfam truck loaded with 10tonnes of rice for a village that needed it after a civil war. The truck was within 10km of the village and fell off the bridge, breaking the bridge & so cutting off the village from the outside world & further aid. It was eventually after 10months re-built by the villagers themselves who had suffered hunger & a lack of medical supplies; whilst the Oxfam truck & it's contents lay in the river below!

I've seen many orphanages. Many of the children aren't happy, unactive, not at school, not making progress, but yet they're supported by large western named organisations.

Personally I'm involved in an orphanage for war orphans (we like to call it a centre, take away the negativity both in French & English). They have a 'link' to Care Int'l but most of the work is done by people like myself that beg friends & family for material; they'd also like cash. I'm not in a position to give them cash, I know if they had it that it would be put to good use (building a new centre so they don't have to rent & be self-sustainable). I'm currently writing begging letters to various organisations to get help in buying a minibus for them to drive down or to have one donated.

My point being, those on here - instead of building websites for your trip & donating your hard raised cash to a big name, could you not find something/someone else that you feel confident in?

Maybe it's something the mods/founders of HUBB could set up - a thread of 'worthy' organisations to raise money for that get the cash/material directly! Certainly I know my 39 kids would appreciate it!

Thanks, end of rant

Kira