What $30,000 can accomplish for a Developing Nation

Acute need – and opportuntity to do good for just a few dollars -- abounds in the Third World. Here's what just $30,000 can accomplish:

Indonesia - It will take more than houses and roads for people devastated by the tsunami to rebuild their lives. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 200,000 people remain traumatized.This grant equips 45 new counselors in Medan who will help more than 4,000 survivors become functional once again.The cost per life averages $6.80.

Liberia in West Africa is trying to recover from more than a decade of civil war. Women in that country suffered deeply as their husbands were killed, they were raped and their children kidnapped and forced to join the fighting. Their tragedy was often compounded by looting and burning of their homes.$30,000 invested into this project enabled 305 such women to receive trauma counseling, job training and microloans so they can become self-reliant. They, in turn, provide for nearly 2,000 extended family members. The cost per changed life averages $16.38.

Ecuador - Widespread poverty forces families to send their children, as young as age 7, to full-time work. Most of these children never complete elementary school. $30,000 invested here frees 450 boys and girls from the child labor trap. They receive scholarships and other support including legal assistance to prevent further exploitation. The program provides health care for the families and special training for hundreds of teachers on how to work with these special needs students. The cost per life changed through this program is $17.06

Burundi - Burundi is dealing with drought on top of severe poverty, a recent genocidal war and widespread HIV/AIDS. $30,000 invested in this program brings increased income to more than 500 farming families by providing animals, seeds, supplies and training. More than 2,500 relatives and neighbors benefit from improved nutrition and basic medical services. The average cost per life changed is $11.77.

Egypt - HIV and drug abuse have been relatively low in Egypt, but appear poised to climb rapidly. $30,000 invested now certifies 12 drug abuse workers to run prevention programs for 12,000 people at risk in the first year including intensive assistance for 300 addicts who join rehabilitation.The average cost to impact a life through this program is $2.44.

Kenya - Prolonged drought in the Eastern Province of Kenya makes daily life a struggle. Safe water is in short supply and crops are withering. $30,000 for this project combines with partial funding from the local government to construct wells in the Machakos District.This provides safe drinking water and supports small scale farming to benefit more than 12,000 people for an average cost per life changed of $2.49.

Myanmar - Residents of the remote areas of what was formerly known as Burma lack even the most basic health services.$30,000 opened two dispensaries which treat 44,000 villagers. Mosquito nets and plastic toilet pans inhibit the spread of disease for 4,000 people.Thousands of people feel the effects for a cost per person of $0.69.

Source: genevaglobal.com