[afro-nets] Ashoka Foundation (5)

[Jeff Buderer <jeff@onevillage.biz>]

Ashoka Foundation (5)
---------------------

Dear Omololu Falobi,

I don't think Kris was disagreeing with you about Askoka so much
as wondering why they have not gotten back to him to give him
word on his application process. Possibly he did not understand
that would it would take a lot of time and he was wondering what
was going on and he did not receive a response.

I think as counterpoint to the ideologically charged comments
that some here put into the group, Ashoka offers great value in
terms of inspiring people to get involved in actually developing
solutions from a nonpolitical perspective. I appreciate the work
you are doing.

Having said that I am convinced the problem with malaria is not
due to environmentalists as some in this group seem to believe
but rather a general inability to plan for effective development
of the world whether in developed or so called undeveloped re-
gions. This relates to problems with the design of our economies
and societies.

We are not going to simply be able to spray our way out of the
malaria problem. What is needed is a comprehensive plan for de-
velopment that is grassroots oriented (along the Ashoka model)
and looks at the problem areas including malaria and seeks long
term solutions that minimize the ecological and human health im-
pacts of spraying while also ensuring that people do not have
continue to be worn down by this disease.

What's most important in all of this I believe is to convince
ourselves as well as the local people that together we can make
a difference in finding solutions to problems like malaria and
in the process become wiser people from facing that challenge.

Jeff Buderer
mailto:jeff@onevillage.biz