Friday, March 20, 2009

The Technological Cure for Poverty

Cheap, efficient, and renewable; these are the words that seem to be flying around the most these days. They have proven to be the standard by which the energy and transportation industry have consistently had to measure themselves by. The trifecta standard for making something cheap, renewable and efficient have not only been used in commercial industries, it has also been the drive for many new technological advances. Some are made in the name of science, others in the name of convenience, but for a small village in Africa that received a merry-go-round that produces electricity, the justification for what they received as poverty relief can be described as a combination of both. America in general, has been a force for good in the lives of many who live in impoverished nations. Just as the new age dawns so do the methods and tactics of relieving poverty. If other countries would follow America’s example and involve technology and its advances to help alleviate poverty, technology’s true potential for good would be realized.

Poverty has been an increasingly interesting and controversial topic around the globe. Even definition of poverty itself has seen its share of debate. Some even wondered why some people are born into poverty. To some that can be answered with the explanation of geography has set us to a disadvantage (Diamond). Others simply think that it is just upbringing that sets the unfortunate one to be subject to poverty. And yet there are some that place the blame solely on the combination of government corruption, poor economy, and legislative policies. Be this as it may, it is the general understanding that poverty is the lack of essentials, such as food, water and shelter, that cause the standard of living to reach that of what has been deemed in which ever country you are in as so. Countries around the world like Africa, India and a whole list of other South American countries have been affected by this problem. Some countries like America, who has seen their share of troubled economic times in the past, are now experiencing this obstacle once again due to a rough economy. After hearing about all of this the following question would probably pop up in the reader’s mind, “What has been done to help alleviate poverty?” This question is a perfectly understandable question due to the frequency of it being asked by those affected by it the most. It seems that to some not enough is being done while to others, less should be done to contend with this problem. Both sides of the argument have their own sets of legitimate claims, but those who apply the advances that technology brings coupled with the need to do more in the field of alleviating poverty are entitled to a more successful experience.
In 2004 the United States spent 19 billion in foreign aid, a number that doubled its closest runner up, Japan who came in just short of 9 billion with 8.9 billion. Interestingly enough though the United Nations goal of a certain percentage being donated to foreign aid was not meet by America in said study. In fact the U.S. was second to last out of the top five wealthiest nations who were surveyed. This is because America donates less than a tenth of its national income (Katel). America leading the way in alleviating poverty has been the common trend throughout the rest of the following years. Be this as it may, there is much progressed to be made in the field of technology combined with a country’s/government’s involvement ending poverty. For example, if a country was to fund research on new technologies that are on the brink of a breakthrough and use it to help an impoverished country it would unlock new possibilities for said nation. Another way that countries could get involved in helping countries in need is by changing policy that is in their government. Some very influential people, from possible aiding to needy countries, place restrictions on giving aid to needy counties. This can be from the leaders of that nation observing that, due to corruption, unequal distribution, and a whole list of other reasons, giving aid to impoverished nations is a waste of time, effort and money. In the end of the day though, we will only be left with what has happened and what will happen. So as we look back to our nations past we see people who have went out of their way to help a country in need and the fruits of their labor have produced a great harvest.

A good example of this is can be seen in the rural community of Essam, Ghana. Because much of that area has no electricity what so ever, schools and homes in Essam where without light. Once a BYU team of engineers decided to do have their capstone project involve this little community in Ghana, it was only a matter of time before those schools and homes that were dark would now have light. The capstone project included installing a merry-go-round that, when used, creates electricity for the schools and also for lanterns inside some home. This would finally lead to the children in that rural community being able read at night. The merry-go-round that was sponsored by Empower Playgrounds, Inc was such a big hit that the Ghana Ministry of Education would like to have six more merry go rounds placed in the area (Walker). Because early education is the foundation that is needed for even the most obscure chances of success later on in life, children of any impoverished nation with a possibility of an education helps their country rise above that which they have been so set at. It all was started by the simple question of, “what can we do to help?” If the countries that choose to not donate to impoverished nations would follow the lead of the BYU lead team of engineers and colleges, the nations that are needy would finally be able so see the aid of a country with out it completely contradicting the legislation that prevents them form doing so completely.

2 comments:

David Robinson said...

For you first paragraph i think you used point first paragraph. This sentence sets up expectations that you will answer all three of the term: cheap, efficient and renewable. They will be the resounding terms used throughout the article.

Your second paragraph utilizes point last paragraph. You bring up expectations that will be brought up in future paragraphs. Technology is a key factor is poverty.

Your third paragraph uses point first paragraph. You talk about money being used for foreign aid. This gives the expectation that you will elaborate on it.

Your final paragraph uses point last paragraph. It gives the expectation that you will talk about in other groups. You will also bring up BYU aid.

Kristy Hadley said...

Poverty...this is clear

Some....who is "some", maybe you could give the names of a few people that hold this idea.

Geography...maybe say "geography of these countries" to make it more distinct

Some...again define who "some" is by giving a few names

Countries...this is good you say what countries so the reader knows exactly what you are talking about

Question...it is clear what question your are referring to

Question...it is clear which question you are talking about

It...what do you mean by "it"?, is "it" the answer to the question?

Both sides of the argument...this is clear