Misdirected aid – monetary or otherwise – can actually have a negative net effect on regions to which they are directed. The most classic example would be recklessly donated and unchecked funds being embezzled by corrupt middlemen, only to end up in hands of oppressive politicians or warlords. It is imperative that funds raised in the name of economic development be spent responsibly and efficiently to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Currently, The Neutral Development Project is serving the greater good in a purely educational capacity. Ultimately, we plan to organize and execute our own series of projects in the Horn of Africa, but right now its members are developing their understanding of the region and administrative dynamics of aid in the Horn. We will continue to operate purely as a fundraiser until we are equipped to do more. While some of the money we recieve will go toward start-up costs, the vast majority will be directed to groups deemed by the Neutral Development Project – groups we’ve been researching extensively- as most in sync with our agenda (basic economic development).
We plan to raise money in all sorts of ways in the coming months, and we are in the process of planning our first fundraising benefit. The effort is being led by Katie Gagne, our head events coordinator. We intend to donate a significant portion of the funds we raise to majors like Oxfam, UNHCR, USAID, and like organizations with established operations in the Horn. More soon.
