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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Three Cups of Disappointment

Combat terrorism by educating girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The idea behind Greg Mortenson's "Three Cups of Tea" is so simple and so powerful that it is hard not to be impressed by it. And I was.


So when I read about how many of the schools they have funded are non-operational, I put it down to the naivety of foreigners who implicitly assume that dollars translate into projects.

And then I heard about the misappropriation of funds. Of the creative accounting. Of how expenses relating to book-promotion were written-off as program costs.

I was heartbroken. Can't you trust anyone?
_____
A drabble is a story told in exactly 100 words.

13 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 5, 2011 at 2:35 AM

    Natasha - Oh, that is so terribly heartbreaking! And what a sickening missed opportunity to do some real good. Just so sad...

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  2. Alex J. CavanaughMay 5, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    That is sad! People just trying to do something good for others...

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  3. SueMay 5, 2011 at 3:02 AM

    oh Rayna, no! I had been thinking of that book these last few days and how essential it is to educate ALL children in the world. I'd hoped that project would remain a beacon of light in these sad times. I think it's time for me to go and live in the outback away from any news and become a hermit. Sue

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  4. Oddyoddyo13May 5, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    Of course you can. We'd be much, much worse off if you couldn't. You just have to find out who you CAN trust and who you CAN'T. Don't be discouraged.

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  5. Jemi FraserMay 5, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    That is horrific! People who steal from charities are the lowest of the low.

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  6. ChuckMay 5, 2011 at 4:42 AM

    Another sad tale in the time of need. When will things like this stop?

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  7. Theresa MilsteinMay 5, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    There are too many stories of people taking advantage that we have to keep in mind that most people wouldn't behave like this.

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  8. Faith PrayMay 5, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Rayna, I heard about this. It's so distressing when selfish people take attention and world focus away from serious crises. Thanks for writing about this.

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  9. SueannMay 5, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Awful!!! So awful!! And sad!!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  10. GrammyMay 5, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Hi, Rayna,
    Yes, I agree that is so very sad, and children must be educated in order for our world to survive. Thank you for bringing this to people's attention.
    Ruby

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  11. dipaliMay 5, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    This is shocking and most saddening:(

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  12. LTMMay 5, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    aaand that he made the whole thing up. Argh. There's a special place for people like this... don't be discouraged! What you're doing is so powerful and important and life-changing, and there ARE people you can trust~ ((hugs))

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  13. TinaMay 6, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    You're right on here, Rayna!
    Thanks for your encouragement.
    I've finally passed on the Award you gave me. Thanks so much for that! I mentioned you and linked that post while passing it on.
    Tina @ Life is Good

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