What happens to the charity money that gets sent to Africa?

Your question can be answered very simply I fear - Corruption and ignorance. Years ago when we all started sending them money we should have sent packs of condoms instead. That way they wouldn't keep breeding like rabbits - and why haven't all the last couple of generations of their offspring done anything with all that 'help' we sent them.....

The ignorance of people never ceases to amaze me... Condoms is your solution, really? There are several huge problems with the African economy and them procreating isn't one of them. Have you ever stopped and wondered why a continent so rich in natural resources has such a low GDP? A combination of corrupt government and other countries taking advantage of them is the true problem. Many villages are forced to farm crops that have no benefit to them in regards to survival so it can be sold dirt cheap to other countries that have the ability to produce it into a sellable product and in turn make a huge profit. As far as continuing to donate your money to charities, I agree this isn't an effective method. Feed a child on a dollar a day, that's all fine and dandy till you stop giving that dollar. Then what? That's why the economy isn't improving. It does nothing to better their future. Instead invest your money on purchasing fair and direct trade products so you know the money you are donating is reaching the right people and creating a better future. They have to be able to better themselves and giving handouts isn't going to do that. Not to mention that even though most charities have good intentions, the corruption in many of the African countries prevents the money from reaching the people in need anyway.

I understand what your saying but i can assure you that the money is being used effectively and change is happening. Earlier this year i was in Sierra Leone which is one of the poorest countries in the world and i was so happy to see it improve just in the short period that i was there. Whilst i was there i saw roads being built, awareness being raised on diseases etc.. and clinics being built for people living with HIV/AIDs // amputees // child soldiers. I even witnessed a water pump being completed !!

I was only there for 2 weeks and this is only one country and there is much more good being done all over the world with the money as well =]

However, i should mention that whilst working with a certain charity.. when travelling, it would almost always be first class and was paid for by the charity. This was unnecessary and a waste of money but overall their work was amazing and after a complaint was filed they stopped and all is good.

90% goes on guns and ammunition and paying for the army. What's ever left goes to the missions. That's why things haven't got better because if you feed the people for one day the stuff you've just given to the army makes it possible for them to kill those people the next day or take over their village. If you want to give money to the missions go there your self and give or give it to a priest, nun or missionary personnelly. at least it will be used for the best. Also some charity organizations are corrupt like Trocare, and the people who work in it draw their pay from the donations.

If you want to give money to organizations go for the Mother Teresa nuns of Calcutta. India is in dire need of help and at least you know your money is not being spent to bring in more evil.

The money are more likely to end up in the pockets of the Africa corrupt government than to the children in need.

Belle - do what you want with your money.

You are free to ask where is it all going or why it is not reaching its destination. What you do with the information is also up to you as we are all free to express opinions and ask pertinent questions.

I stopped giving to people in the street years ago when over the course of a few weeks a clocked several of them trying to buy drugs with their donations.

Lord only knows what the corrupt politicians and foolish do-gooders are doing.

Remember the fiasco with the Princess Diana Memorial fund? Loads of money coming in but disaster everywhere with foolish decisions on what to spend the money on and exorbitant salaries, etc.

Belle - do what you want with your money and your life!

It is an old Colonial saying. AId is the Poor people of the Rich world giving to the Rich people of the Poor world. Nuf said !!

Take a look at this link, it was on TV just the other day.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/773...

I feel very strongly about poverty in Africa&plan on teaching there in the future. This documentary really opened my eyes to the waste of our money.

I do not know,but I have been giving money for years. I have stopped now as I keep getting more and more slick begging letter's. from so called charities. I do not know if it right or not,

the thing is africa is not a country. africa has 54 countries, about 900 million people and 100+ ethnic groups and tribes.

so if give afica money you have to divide it by 54 and divide it again and again.