[I wonder how many Africans actually read books on Fluid Mechanics, String Theory, or the Biology of Snails…and apply that knowledge to grow themselves, their families and communities? Have we asked them what books they would like to read?]
DIY Development
Frame Changers #139: Unfair Trade
Frame Changers #136: Misplaced Metrics
[The important metric is not how much money is being thrown at a problem, but what the net impact of that funding is. Lets not confuse inputs with outputs and outcomes.]
Frame Changers #127: (Unnecessary) Limits on Engagement
Frame Changers #126: One Macbook Per Child?
[The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project is a classic example of a program tailored to the ambitions and assumptions of the funders than the real validated needs of the people and a solid business model. Regular PCs with Windows (so that people can install all the pirated software in the world) would likely have done better… though, I reckon, children would have preferred Macbook Airs.]
Frame Changers #121:Disruptive Innovation
[Disruptive innovation is about creating new markets and value networks while obsoleting old and less-efficient ways of solving problems. However, disruptive innovations can unsettle people and their livelihoods when they are first introduced.]
Frame Changers #120: THON Forever
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, commonly referred to as THON, is a three-day Dance Marathon that raises money to fight pediatric cancer. With 15,000 volunteers working around the year, it is the largest student run philanthropy in the world.
Over half of HESE students participate in THON and several of them have the honor of dancing for the 46 hours. This one is for all of you:
For the Kids, For the Fight
Hold on tight, Dance all night
24 hours in a HESE day and 22 more at THON
Every step, every move, every moment
Empower the dreamers, let hope live on
Every ray contributes to a brave new dawn
Of empathy, love and passion, be the paragon
Dance with your feet, your heart, your soul
Never ever give up, stay poised and egg on
The darkest hour melts into a brave new dawn
I will dance on Monday night, pass me the baton
cuz THON will be gone; HESE tribe will be back
Designing test strips & greenhouses to feed on
Only innovators and executors bring a brave new dawn
For the Kids, For the Fight
Collaborate, Innovate, Get Stuff Done
But, only for this weekend,
Raise the song, Raise the song
Hold on tight, Dance all night
Frame Changers #112: Love is Calling: How Far Will You Go?
[It is estimated that over 75% of Peace Corps volunteers come back from their assignments married, engaged, or in love. Should we rename Peace Corps the Love Corps instead?]
Frame Changers #110: Art Therapy
[Art as therapy has proven therapeutic value and can be especially helpful to marginalized populations that have experienced abuse or PTSD. At the same time, it is a little far-fetched to see art therapy programs claim that they are addressing basic needs. What’s the point of teaching people how to draw food?]
Frame Changers #82: Sisterly Empathy
