Does aid work?

In May, BPEC took the opportunity to raise awareness about the complications of international development aid.

Although the Indian Ocean tsunami instigated unprecedented generosity, many people are unaware how the money they donated was used. An additional point that goes unnoticed is that, although the tsunami left many people in a terrible situation, similar conditions are endured constantly by many people in sub-Saharan Africa - but this does not receive the same media coverage.

In view of this, BPEC organised an information evening on aid, and a number of events to raise money for African people in need. The fundraisers included club nights at the Volks nightclub in Brighton and Cella at the Sanctuary Café in Hove with drumming sessions, bands and DJs. A film night was organised in co-operation with Anima cinema, presenting some political short films.

All the money raised is going directly, with no administrative costs deducted, to two community-empowering African grassroots charities.

• The Intermediate Technology Development Group in Darfur, Sudan aims to improve the lives of poor communities in Sudan by helping small-scale producers utilise new technologies. One project was a commercial boatyard to provide much-needed local river transport along the upper reaches of the Nile.
• The MOYA HIV/AIDS Community Healing Centre in Swaziland is a volunteer-run centre that, as well as providing healthcare, runs trench gardening classes and support groups for people with HIV/AIDS. They teach home based care and have a day school for parentless children.