TREVOR IRWIN

I have received emails and several bubblemails asking several questions about funding and Poverty in Africa. I will endeavour to answer these questions in this document.

I will address these issues raided by Dyle Warren, [SEE DYLE’s AWESOME WORK HER ON REDBUBBLE]

DAYLE’S Questions and concerns I believe are the concerns of many so this is his bubblemail.
[I was wondering if you could answer a question about Africa that I have had for years. America and so many countries have come to their aid for decades and all my life Africa has needed help from other nations (CARE, UNICEF, etc.) because of disease and starvation.
Africa is one of the richest nations on Earth why doesn’t this country help themselves and tap into their own resources instead of having their hands out all the time? Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to cause an argument but for the life of me I’ve never been able to understand this and they have had children starving for years.
Possibly you can enlighten me because honestly if a country won’t help themselves for decades and decades I find I have less and less sympathy for the country…..not the children.
Looking forward to your answer as I’ve never heard an answer for it…
Thanks,
Dyle]

THE NEED TO HELP, AND WHY WE HELP.
The need for UNICEF, UNHCR, CARE and other organizations to help African countries is as Follows. These are only a few.
1. Sickness and disease is killing millions each year. Famine, War and son on.
2. African countries do not have the facilities or indeed the knowledge in some cases to better themselves.
3. In certain African countries, Government does not have the money or the solutions to solve the problems.
These are only a few reasons why. Other reasons why US, UK and other countries contribute towards these countries is because other countries have a vested interest in gaining from these countries vast oil reserves, Gold, and other precious commodities, in return for humanitarian relief. Sadly world politics plays a part in who we help and how we help, and also what we get in return.

WHY DO THESE RICH AFRICAN COUNTRIES NOT USE THEIR VAST WEALTH TO HELP THEMSELVES?
Many do invest in their countries infrastructure, economic growth and world trade. Nigeria, Uganda South Africa are just a few that do that. The problem is they often invest in oil production, gold, diamonds and other natural wealth. But Corruption, greed and favouritism among government officials have damaged this effort and much of the wealth goes into projects that do not help the suffering and extreme poor. War Disputes and other challenges have often marred good work.
Just like American or British members of Government, many loose touch with the real suffering of ordinary people, especially in deep rural and isolated villages. These members of Government are well paid and live comfortable lives. Few have ever experienced what it is like to have no food, or no hope of growing enough food. Most have never felt the pain of a mother watching her baby die, because she could not find enough food to eat, and her breast milk has dried up.
They have never lived in rural villages where the water they drink causes people to go blind, and others die in agony from intestinal worms.
They have not seen crippled children crawl on their bellies, because of diseases that could have been prevented. Many Government officials live in luxury, drive in government vehicles and fly first class, all paid by tax payers. Not all have lost touch, and do hear the cry of the suffering people within their borders. Others do care and know only to well the sufferings, but they are often discouraged and pressurised by senior members.
Loose and foolish words, years of tribal conflicts and cruel wars have all played a part in hindering their efforts in sharing that countries wealth with all its citizens.
I may seem very harsh here, but I have spent years working among the African countries, and experienced first hand corruption and self cantered projects. But in saying this, there are good People serving their people as best they can.
UNICEF, UNHCR and other World Governments have done tremendous work in Africa. Uganda used to be the most corrupt government in all Africa. This was a well known fact among NGO’s GOVERNMENTS and some smaller organisations. Now through Western Government intervention and help, Uganda is a thriving country. It’s Government has become stable and corruption has almost died. This has happened through United states, united Kingdom, DUTCH and other countries intervention. It still ahs a way to go yet, to reach its goals, but a great change has taken place.
Kenya is another African country riddled with corruption, yet it is changing through UNHCR, UNICEF and Western government intervention and pressure. So in short we do well.
STILL NEED FOR BETTER OVERSEA’S POLICIES.
One of the worst problems within western governments is its lack of wisdom and common sense.
Even today, American, British and other countries give Billions of dollars to African countries, via that African countries government. Here is the problem. Many spend the money on Business, and better world trade. But most do not invest in its people. While they spend millions on better roads and better airports, plus its military and other cosmetic projects, whole villages are wiped out through sickness and disease, Poverty. It is time for the western rich nations to look at better ways of funding the relief of suffering in Africa. Tighter rules need to be implemented and restrictions on how much they can spend on military budgets and Government officials salaries.
So you see there are a whole mixture of reasons why some African countries cannot or won’t give more of what they get from the rich west towards the ordinary people living in dire poverty. God Bless those who are honest and do what they can top alleviate the suffering.

One of my biggest criticisms is the huge overheads and over exaggerated costs of SOME, not all of the big CHARITIES, NGO’s and well known relief organisations. What they need to remember is that most of their money is donated by businesses, and Ordinary people like you and I. They have no money of their own. It comes from Government grants , individuals and just ordinary people like us. Yet many receive over exaggerated salaries, and misuse the funds they have. UNHCR and others have donated 4 Wheel drives vehicles to many small grass root organisations, that do not need them, and use them for their own personal use. I speak from experience her, and have seen this for years. This is all money Tax payers have paid. Governments have used money for the wrong reasons.. Please do not misunderstand me here. I am not in any way saying all big organisations are in anyway like this. But they need to be held accountable to us here in richer countries. Not by fiddling the account books. They need to check on what is happening. The UNITED NATIONS needs to get their act together. They can do much better that what they are doing. Every department within the UN, need to improve.

This is why I formed Philadelphia Mission in 1995. I returned from Rwanda and Uganda from Mission work. I wanted a Charity, build up of members who did not get a salary, or expense account. People who would work for the poor out of genuine concern and Love. Members who wanted to work hands on with the poor ,and live among them. This is what we do in Philadelphia Mission. Philadelphia Missions office is a converted room in my home. I don’t even own my home. Our Overheads are almost zero. All office equipment and materials are purchased and paid for by me and kind people who support our mission.
We use all money raised through donations, via our website, and any money raised through art that is purchased, to provide medicines, tools, machinery, training and projects that empower these people.
When it comes to making donations towards the extreme poor and needy, please choose an organisation where you know your entire donation is actually going to the poor, and where no percentage will be taken out towards that organisations overheads. If you want to cover overhead costs of an organisation, please ask to see the budget of what they received over several years, then look at the running costs and balance out for yourself if that organisation is using your money correctly.

I do hope this will answer some of your questions.
PLEASE DO VISIT OUR AFRICA MISSION WEBSITE.
I have received emails and several bubblemails asking several questions about funding and Poverty in Africa. I will endeavour to answer these questions in this document.

I will address these issues raided by Dyle Warren, [SEE DYLE’s AWESOME WORK HER ON REDBUBBLE]

DAYLE’S Questions and concerns I believe are the concerns of many so this is his bubblemail.
[I was wondering if you could answer a question about Africa that I have had for years. America and so many countries have come to their aid for decades and all my life Africa has needed help from other nations (CARE, UNICEF, etc.) because of disease and starvation.
Africa is one of the richest nations on Earth why doesn’t this country help themselves and tap into their own resources instead of having their hands out all the time? Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to cause an argument but for the life of me I’ve never been able to understand this and they have had children starving for years.
Possibly you can enlighten me because honestly if a country won’t help themselves for decades and decades I find I have less and less sympathy for the country…..not the children.
Looking forward to your answer as I’ve never heard an answer for it…
Thanks,
Dyle]

THE NEED TO HELP, AND WHY WE HELP.
The need for UNICEF, UNHCR, CARE and other organizations to help African countries is as Follows. These are only a few.
1. Sickness and disease is killing millions each year. Famine, War and son on.
2. African countries do not have the facilities or indeed the knowledge in some cases to better themselves.
3. In certain African countries, Government does not have the money or the solutions to solve the problems.
These are only a few reasons why. Other reasons why US, UK and other countries contribute towards these countries is because other countries have a vested interest in gaining from these countries vast oil reserves, Gold, and other precious commodities, in return for humanitarian relief. Sadly world politics plays a part in who we help and how we help, and also what we get in return.

WHY DO THESE RICH AFRICAN COUNTRIES NOT USE THEIR VAST WEALTH TO HELP THEMSELVES?
Many do invest in their countries infrastructure, economic growth and world trade. Nigeria, Uganda South Africa are just a few that do that. The problem is they often invest in oil production, gold, diamonds and other natural wealth. But Corruption, greed and favouritism among government officials have damaged this effort and much of the wealth goes into projects that do not help the suffering and extreme poor. War Disputes and other challenges have often marred good work.
Just like American or British members of Government, many loose touch with the real suffering of ordinary people, especially in deep rural and isolated villages. These members of Government are well paid and live comfortable lives. Few have ever experienced what it is like to have no food, or no hope of growing enough food. Most have never felt the pain of a mother watching her baby die, because she could not find enough food to eat, and her breast milk has dried up.
They have never lived in rural villages where the water they drink causes people to go blind, and others die in agony from intestinal worms.
They have not seen crippled children crawl on their bellies, because of diseases that could have been prevented. Many Government officials live in luxury, drive in government vehicles and fly first class, all paid by tax payers. Not all have lost touch, and do hear the cry of the suffering people within their borders. Others do care and know only to well the sufferings, but they are often discouraged and pressurised by senior members.
Loose and foolish words, years of tribal conflicts and cruel wars have all played a part in hindering their efforts in sharing that countries wealth with all its citizens.
I may seem very harsh here, but I have spent years working among the African countries, and experienced first hand corruption and self cantered projects. But in saying this, there are good People serving their people as best they can.
UNICEF, UNHCR and other World Governments have done tremendous work in Africa. Uganda used to be the most corrupt government in all Africa. This was a well known fact among NGO’s GOVERNMENTS and some smaller organisations. Now through Western Government intervention and help, Uganda is a thriving country. It’s Government has become stable and corruption has almost died. This has happened through United states, united Kingdom, DUTCH and other countries intervention. It still ahs a way to go yet, to reach its goals, but a great change has taken place.
Kenya is another African country riddled with corruption, yet it is changing through UNHCR, UNICEF and Western government intervention and pressure. So in short we do well.
STILL NEED FOR BETTER OVERSEA’S POLICIES.
One of the worst problems within western governments is its lack of wisdom and common sense.
Even today, American, British and other countries give Billions of dollars to African countries, via that African countries government. Here is the problem. Many spend the money on Business, and better world trade. But most do not invest in its people. While they spend millions on better roads and better airports, plus its military and other cosmetic projects, whole villages are wiped out through sickness and disease, Poverty. It is time for the western rich nations to look at better ways of funding the relief of suffering in Africa. Tighter rules need to be implemented and restrictions on how much they can spend on military budgets and Government officials salaries.
So you see there are a whole mixture of reasons why some African countries cannot or won’t give more of what they get from the rich west towards the ordinary people living in dire poverty. God Bless those who are honest and do what they can top alleviate the suffering.

One of my biggest criticisms is the huge overheads and over exaggerated costs of SOME, not all of the big CHARITIES, NGO’s and well known relief organisations. What they need to remember is that most of their money is donated by businesses, and Ordinary people like you and I. They have no money of their own. It comes from Government grants , individuals and just ordinary people like us. Yet many receive over exaggerated salaries, and misuse the funds they have. UNHCR and others have donated 4 Wheel drives vehicles to many small grass root organisations, that do not need them, and use them for their own personal use. I speak from experience her, and have seen this for years. This is all money Tax payers have paid. Governments have used money for the wrong reasons.. Please do not misunderstand me here. I am not in any way saying all big organisations are in anyway like this. But they need to be held accountable to us here in richer countries. Not by fiddling the account books. They need to check on what is happening. The UNITED NATIONS needs to get their act together. They can do much better that what they are doing. Every department within the UN, need to improve.

This is why I formed Philadelphia Mission in 1995. I returned from Rwanda and Uganda from Mission work. I wanted a Charity, build up of members who did not get a salary, or expense account. People who would work for the poor out of genuine concern and Love. Members who wanted to work hands on with the poor ,and live among them. This is what we do in Philadelphia Mission. Philadelphia Missions office is a converted room in my home. I don’t even own my home. Our Overheads are almost zero. All office equipment and materials are purchased and paid for by me and kind people who support our mission.
We use all money raised through donations, via our website, and any money raised through art that is purchased, to provide medicines, tools, machinery, training and projects that empower these people.
When it comes to making donations towards the extreme poor and needy, please choose an organisation where you know your entire donation is actually going to the poor, and where no percentage will be taken out towards that organisations overheads. If you want to cover overhead costs of an organisation, please ask to see the budget of what they received over several years, then look at the running costs and balance out for yourself if that organisation is using your money correctly.

I do hope this will answer some of your questions.
PLEASE DO VISIT OUR AFRICA MISSION WEBSITE.
I have received emails and several bubblemails asking several questions about funding and Poverty in Africa. I will endeavour to answer these questions in this document.

I will address these issues raided by Dyle Warren, [SEE DYLE’s AWESOME WORK HER ON REDBUBBLE]

DAYLE’S Questions and concerns I believe are the concerns of many so this is his bubblemail.
[I was wondering if you could answer a question about Africa that I have had for years. America and so many countries have come to their aid for decades and all my life Africa has needed help from other nations (CARE, UNICEF, etc.) because of disease and starvation.
Africa is one of the richest nations on Earth why doesn’t this country help themselves and tap into their own resources instead of having their hands out all the time? Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to cause an argument but for the life of me I’ve never been able to understand this and they have had children starving for years.
Possibly you can enlighten me because honestly if a country won’t help themselves for decades and decades I find I have less and less sympathy for the country…..not the children.
Looking forward to your answer as I’ve never heard an answer for it…
Thanks,
Dyle]

THE NEED TO HELP, AND WHY WE HELP.
The need for UNICEF, UNHCR, CARE and other organizations to help African countries is as Follows. These are only a few.
1. Sickness and disease is killing millions each year. Famine, War and son on.
2. African countries do not have the facilities or indeed the knowledge in some cases to better themselves.
3. In certain African countries, Government does not have the money or the solutions to solve the problems.
These are only a few reasons why. Other reasons why US, UK and other countries contribute towards these countries is because other countries have a vested interest in gaining from these countries vast oil reserves, Gold, and other precious commodities, in return for humanitarian relief. Sadly world politics plays a part in who we help and how we help, and also what we get in return.

WHY DO THESE RICH AFRICAN COUNTRIES NOT USE THEIR VAST WEALTH TO HELP THEMSELVES?
Many do invest in their countries infrastructure, economic growth and world trade. Nigeria, Uganda South Africa are just a few that do that. The problem is they often invest in oil production, gold, diamonds and other natural wealth. But Corruption, greed and favouritism among government officials have damaged this effort and much of the wealth goes into projects that do not help the suffering and extreme poor. War Disputes and other challenges have often marred good work.
Just like American or British members of Government, many loose touch with the real suffering of ordinary people, especially in deep rural and isolated villages. These members of Government are well paid and live comfortable lives. Few have ever experienced what it is like to have no food, or no hope of growing enough food. Most have never felt the pain of a mother watching her baby die, because she could not find enough food to eat, and her breast milk has dried up.
They have never lived in rural villages where the water they drink causes people to go blind, and others die in agony from intestinal worms.
They have not seen crippled children crawl on their bellies, because of diseases that could have been prevented. Many Government officials live in luxury, drive in government vehicles and fly first class, all paid by tax payers. Not all have lost touch, and do hear the cry of the suffering people within their borders. Others do care and know only to well the sufferings, but they are often discouraged and pressurised by senior members.
Loose and foolish words, years of tribal conflicts and cruel wars have all played a part in hindering their efforts in sharing that countries wealth with all its citizens.
I may seem very harsh here, but I have spent years working among the African countries, and experienced first hand corruption and self cantered projects. But in saying this, there are good People serving their people as best they can.
UNICEF, UNHCR and other World Governments have done tremendous work in Africa. Uganda used to be the most corrupt government in all Africa. This was a well known fact among NGO’s GOVERNMENTS and some smaller organisations. Now through Western Government intervention and help, Uganda is a thriving country. It’s Government has become stable and corruption has almost died. This has happened through United states, united Kingdom, DUTCH and other countries intervention. It still ahs a way to go yet, to reach its goals, but a great change has taken place.
Kenya is another African country riddled with corruption, yet it is changing through UNHCR, UNICEF and Western government intervention and pressure. So in short we do well.
STILL NEED FOR BETTER OVERSEA’S POLICIES.
One of the worst problems within western governments is its lack of wisdom and common sense.
Even today, American, British and other countries give Billions of dollars to African countries, via that African countries government. Here is the problem. Many spend the money on Business, and better world trade. But most do not invest in its people. While they spend millions on better roads and better airports, plus its military and other cosmetic projects, whole villages are wiped out through sickness and disease, Poverty. It is time for the western rich nations to look at better ways of funding the relief of suffering in Africa. Tighter rules need to be implemented and restrictions on how much they can spend on military budgets and Government officials salaries.
So you see there are a whole mixture of reasons why some African countries cannot or won’t give more of what they get from the rich west towards the ordinary people living in dire poverty. God Bless those who are honest and do what they can top alleviate the suffering.

One of my biggest criticisms is the huge overheads and over exaggerated costs of SOME, not all of the big CHARITIES, NGO’s and well known relief organisations. What they need to remember is that most of their money is donated by businesses, and Ordinary people like you and I. They have no money of their own. It comes from Government grants , individuals and just ordinary people like us. Yet many receive over exaggerated salaries, and misuse the funds they have. UNHCR and others have donated 4 Wheel drives vehicles to many small grass root organisations, that do not need them, and use them for their own personal use. I speak from experience her, and have seen this for years. This is all money Tax payers have paid. Governments have used money for the wrong reasons.. Please do not misunderstand me here. I am not in any way saying all big organisations are in anyway like this. But they need to be held accountable to us here in richer countries. Not by fiddling the account books. They need to check on what is happening. The UNITED NATIONS needs to get their act together. They can do much better that what they are doing. Every department within the UN, need to improve.

This is why I formed Philadelphia Mission in 1995. I returned from Rwanda and Uganda from Mission work. I wanted a Charity, build up of members who did not get a salary, or expense account. People who would work for the poor out of genuine concern and Love. Members who wanted to work hands on with the poor ,and live among them. This is what we do in Philadelphia Mission. Philadelphia Missions office is a converted room in my home. I don’t even own my home. Our Overheads are almost zero. All office equipment and materials are purchased and paid for by me and kind people who support our mission.
We use all money raised through donations, via our website, and any money raised through art that is purchased, to provide medicines, tools, machinery, training and projects that empower these people.
When it comes to making donations towards the extreme poor and needy, please choose an organisation where you know your entire donation is actually going to the poor, and where no percentage will be taken out towards that organisations overheads. If you want to cover overhead costs of an organisation, please ask to see the budget of what they received over several years, then look at the running costs and balance out for yourself if that organisation is using your money correctly.

I do hope this will answer some of your questions.
PLEASE DO VISIT OUR AFRICA MISSION WEBSITE.

http://www.philadelphia33.org/

Link to all my art & writings.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/joshuatree1