This trip has been one of the most revealing experiences of my life so far. Through the culture, our work, and John (who is endlessly knowledgeable about everything, it seems - really!) I have been learning about development from a whole new perspective. Development in Africa, particularly, and all the complexities of the economic and political systems of the west and how they influence (read: control) the stability and progression of so many nations over here. The issues are so vast and complex that it’s easy to feel like there is no way for us to make an impact. There has to be systematic changes that come from political decisions made by the US and other countries to not just give aid, but to forgive debts which are keeping these African nations in permanent survival mode. The profits generated here are immediately being poured into someone else’s economy and are not benefiting the locals. So many things are imported that Ghanaian industry is not gaining and all the cash flow is leaving the country. The cost of living is high, wages are low, and inflation is sky rocketing. I have never been too interested in economics but it is really revealing to see this global disenfranchisement in motion. It is apparent to us every day.
This is an excerpt from the Daily Graphic newspaper here about what Ghana’s president said at the UN General Assembly (and John has been telling about me since we arrived);
‘President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday stressed the need for rich countries to put in more effort to meet existing commitments to aid and debt reduction to African economies. He said they should also accelerate disbursement of the access to existing financial facilities in order to ease the impact of the global financial crisis on African economies. “Unfortunately the current global trading system discriminates against developing countries, hinders their participation in the global economy and damages the earning opportunities of farmers and rural communities in poor countries. “’
Still we keep fluctuating between alternate feelings of inspiration to meet the challenges put before us and throwing our hands up in defeat (more on this later as we are figuring out the role that may be best for us in this development process.) Still, my mom reminded me to keep the starfish story in my mind and we are trying to make what little difference we can for even one (and trying not to infect the rest with all our blunders in the trying.) John is continually renewing my faith in the message of love we have and the impact of simply caring. He does this daily through conviction and wisdom and puts them in motion with every interaction.