What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?

There has been some interesting political discussion going on around me as the elections, here and in some of the neighbouring countries, draw closer. Gandhi certainly sums things up better than I ever could, and it is asking for trouble to express strong domestic political views in a land that is not your own, so I will not venture an opinion on African politics right now.... However, there are historic and current issues here that lend credence to the idea that, Africa's problems are far from over and I hope the next few months building up to the elections do not bring any extra problems with them.

I saw something extremely encouraging today that shows Non-Government Organisations (NGO) can make life better in the countries they try to help even if the actual government don't. I have come to realise a lot of time and money is wasted by very well-meaning NGOs all over the world and it is not at all easy to carry out effective work. I went to the Food Water Shelter project this morning and saw how an Australian organisation have decided to help orphans and local people alike who are in dire need of assistance.

The project has bought some land, built sustainable housing and developed farming techniques to feed the people living there. They have some livestock, breed fish in ponds they have constructed, use solar energy and their own supply of methane gas, made from the animal dung, to do the cooking as well as having composting lavatory's. A tree huggers paradise I hear you cry, and yes it is, but, many orphans, adults and the local community have benefited from the work of this NGO and it has restored a little of my faith in these types of organisations (even, in spite of the fact they welcome and encourage those pyjama-wearing, unwashed, tie-died, Western hippie-types we all love to hate so much).

I leave you with a couple of pictures including a tree, a few orphans and an aquifer under construction.