Sustainable development

Childreach
Friday, 19 April 2002

I read with great interest the editorial entitled "Conditional foreign aid" in the March 31 Journal. I understand the importance of encouraging foreign governments to change their policies and develop a democratic environment. However, placing restrictions on assistance to foreign governments means that resources will not reach the people who need it most -- the poor and disenfranchised who fall out of sight of their government's priorities. This new foreign-assistance restriction may just be an effort in futility.

It is important to remember that sometimes we must assist others simply because it is the right thing to do -- not to promote a specific agenda or new world order.

At the least, we should be concerned that any money designated for foreign countries is intended to make a change in the daily lives of the people who need it most. Rather than working directly with governments, the U.S. should link with international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) delivering services to people on the ground.

We have learned from past efforts in Ethiopia and Somalia, among other countries, that sending money to governments does not solve the deeply rooted problems of poverty. Instead, we must work to ensure that citizens are empowered to meet their own needs through education, training, income-generating projects and basic health care.

SAMUEL A. WORTHINGTON
Executive director of Childreach
Washington, D.C.

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