I’ll be frank: I’m not a big believer in “foreign aid” sent to developing countries.  I’ve read too many articles and been to enough panels on the subject to know that much of the aid sent by western nations to developing countries does not help people in those countries. In fact, evidence shows that the impact is just the opposite: foreign aid sent to developing countries messes up their market system, can and does lead to famine, and takes away people’s natural incentive to “work”.  For plenty of examples to prove this point, please refer to “Enough: Why the World’s Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty” by Wall Street Journal correspondent Roger Thurow or “Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa” by economist and former World Bank consultant, Dambisa Moyo.

However.

When it comes to orphans and vulnerable youth, it’s a totally different story.  The emotional and physical health of young children depends on the nurturing and love they receive.  Their well-being – is an investment – in our future.  They need basic things to survive – and thrive – like the rest of us, and they should have those things without having to go without or do unspeakable things to get what they need.  And – this – is why I am delighted to work with Adriana and Smitten With Mittens, an organization that provides orphans with gestures of love and comfort manifested in small mittens – and will in time, provide other things they need most as well.

Thank you for visiting us here, and please come back to learn more about orphans, hear their stories, and learn what you and I and everyone can do to help them. Together we can make a big difference in their lives.