Sunday, January 20, 2013

The Aid Debate

"Don't cut aid. It's working."

That's the message Oxfam America is trying to send to the US Congress. It's uncomplicated and jargon free and the campaign behind this message showcases how individuals are leveraging the investment of aid to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for their communities and others.


It's an interesting and very worthwhile addition to the aid debate as far too often during recessionary periods, government aid budgets are not only under scrutiny but also attack. While no one denies the need for perpetual monitoring and evaluation of all elements of national expenditure by governments, the analysis that accompanies the aid debate tends to be overly negative.

Interestingly what often is said to be missing from the debate is evidence of impact and success in a form digestible to the general public. I wonder will this approach go some way towards redressing that deficit and whether other organisations will follow suit.

Have a look and decide for yourself.