Rich’s (World) Vision
February 16th, 2008 at 1:56 pm | posted by ONE.Partners
George W. Bush’s trip to Africa is likely to be crowded out of the headlines by the presidential campaign. Too bad. President Bush’s bold program to fight AIDS has been, arguably, the most successful initiative of his administration in solving problems and improving America’s image overseas. The candidates who wish to succeed him – as well as Congress which decides how taxpayer money is invested - would do well to take note.
Under Bush, the United States has taken a leadership role in the global fight against AIDS, greatly increasing funding for AIDS prevention and care. But PEPFAR hasn’t just thrown money at the problem; it has empowered communities and private organizations to find local solutions.
In Zambia, World Vision works with a consortium of aid organizations to mobilize and support 120 community - and faith-based organizations. To date, PEPFAR has committed $57 million to the program. But this public funding is being leveraged to attract an equal amount of private aid. Churches and businesses throughout the U.S. have provided Caregiver Kits, containing basic supplies needed by 15,000 Zambian volunteers who are looking after adults and children affected by AIDS. World Bicycle Relief is supplying bicycles for 23,000 caregivers, orphans, and other vulnerable children. Churches, communities, private organizations, businesses, and governments are working together to help those in need, especially children.
While they distance themselves from President Bush on other issues, the presidential candidates should consider this private-public partnership model for tackling problems that affect our world today. And despite the distractions of an extraordinary election year, Congress must move swiftly to reauthorize PEPFAR at the increased level requested by Mr. Bush, making sure at least 10 percent of that aid reaches children.
-Rich Stearns, President of World Vision
February 16th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Thank you for joining the conversation here on the ONE Blog Rich!
February 18th, 2008 at 4:15 am
A number of times a year i try to make it to lunch with one of my friends at the Federal Way (Seattle) WV Headquarters on a Wednesday, chapel day, to hear Rich share of the positive, proactive progress of of the work of World Vision in regions devastated by natural and manmade disasters as well as inpoverished regions in need of sustainability. and i always leave feeling empowered to do all i can to impact the world for good thru amazing groups like ONE and our partners in the war on poverty. His wife Renee speaks at functions throughout our region, as well as Princess Zulu of Zambia, who spoke before congress this past December concerning PEPFAR . . . . .these great people, as well as Steve Reynolds, have impacted the people of seattle and beyond with the education and urgency of attention and legislation for the poorest and sickest of the world. their action items are brought to our Seattle ONE meetings each month. and on a lighter note, more than a few of us can lip sinc to Precious In His Sight, and still weep everytime the family opens the box with their sponsored child’s plasticbag soccer ball. silly eh?. =D
thanx for featuring World Vision in promotion of President Bush’s trip to africa. like Rich shared , unfortunately, this trip may fall below the radar of the meda, but below the radar is where we find the people we are working and lobbying for, and that’s not a bad place to be, for the returns on investment are counted in lives and days in lieu of the value systems of the obscene comfort here in the west. Thank you for that Rich, and for all you do.
stay close,
sammi =)