18 October 2008

Poverty

I got back from the conference a little earlier today and have since caught up with a bit of sleep on the couch. It's a different world out there! I'm happy to be home again with Hanno.

Last week, a day was set aside by some bloggers to write about world poverty. I didn't write anything on that day because I was at a conference discussing the problems that poverty invariably bring to those living in those circumstances. The conference link is here. I found fifty percent of the presentations and workshops I attended to be very helpful. I also made very good contacts and hope to have a No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) operating very soon at the centre I volunteer at.

I also talked to some specialist workers fairly close to our Centre who work solely with the homeless. Our homelessness problem is increasing and I'm sad and a bit ashamed to say that, at the moment, there isn't anything we can do for those people who come to us for help. There is no where to send them - no emergency housing available, no short term fixes, no long term ones either. I hope the current government comes up with a solution quickly. There is a quote, I forget by whom, that says something like the strength and worth of a country is judged by the way they treat their poor. Australia is usually a benevolent country but we are falling far below our own standards in this area.

I'm pleased to tell you all that the Simple Green Frugal Co-op is going really well and already has a readership of over 2000 people a day. I'm hope that, with the other writers, we build up a site that helps people move easily towards a simpler kind of life. Enjoy your weekend. :- )


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