Blue Sweater Post 3

This book has changed my entire perspective on third world countries and different organizations involvement in contributing to their development. I was unaware of the lack of implemented political systems and negligence with resources and infrastructure. Most organizations focus on donating money to causes such as creating houses for stability, wells for water, food for cattle, etc; however, they fail to realize the physical labor needed in order to establish sufficient and functioning systems. We are merely centralizing our efforts on solutions that are only temporary because people do not have the knowledge to evaluate where they should spend their money. It is a lot more self fulfilling to spend 1000 dollars on buying a well or a cow for a family, then donating 1000 dollars to a contractor or plumber in order to pay for the essential labor that will keep these systems functions. The tangible items are more aesthetically pleasing for donors and they do not have the proper education on baseline infrastructure issues that need to be addressed. Africa lacks a proficient political system and therefore does not have proper leadership that can establish requirements for infrastructure and new developments needed in order to benefit society and solve the root of the problems. The developmental agencies created like Novogratz' are intended to solve this issues; however, the corruption within the government uses their resources for needs that are not pertinent or immediate and instead focus on more convenient and beneficial for themselves. Essentially they exploit their resources and do not contribute to social efforts. I love that the book does not beat around the bush and directly acknowledges the tougher issues that are normally dissolved and pushed behind the scenes. Even though the leaders tend to be dissipative with their resources and it furthers corruption office, it is inspiring to read Novogratz' experience in developing countries and her amazing contributions to their success.