Oppgave

Tasks: Global issues in an African Context

Comprehension:

If you search for 'What is foreign aid and does it work?', you will find an interesting video about different forms of foreign aid and the effects they have.

In the video foreign aid is defined as: The international transfer of goods, services or capital from a country or international aid agency to a recipient country or its population.

Watch the video, then answer the questions below in writing.

There are four different types of aid mentioned in the video. What are they? Give examples.
What is the difference between bilateral and multilateral aid? Explain.
What is an NGO? Give examples of a few.
Waya Quiviger mentions three main reasons why people give foreign aid. What are they?
Describe the two camps supporting and criticizing foreign aid. What are the arguments presented for and against aid?

Debate:

Divide the class into two teams and prepare for a class debate: one side arguing for foreign aid, the other against.

Use the video above, the quotations below, the website from Development Aid, and other websites you find useful to prepare your arguments. Find arguments that will help your team argue either for and against foreign aid.

Quotations about foreign aid:

"Foreign aid breeds kleptocracies, or governments of thieves." (James Bovard, political lecturer).
"Aid is the process by which the poor in rich countries subsidize the rich in the poor countries." (Peter Thomas Bauer, economist).
"As the wealthiest nation on Earth, I believe the United States has a moral obligation to lead the fight against hunger and malnutrition." (President Barack Obama).
"In this financial year we will be spending at least $1,5 billion on foreign aid and we cannot be sure that this money will be properly spent, as corruption and mismanagement in many of the recipient countries are legend." (Pauline Hanson, Australian politician).
"Spending a little to keep a child healthy isn’t only a moral imperative; it is also a long-term investment in a secure and thriving world." (Bill Gates.)
"Western assistance serves to relieve donors' guilt rather than improve recipients' plight." (Angus Deaton, Princeton University).
"Aid is not a gift. The United States provides foreign assistance because it serves OUR interests." (Howard Berman, American politician).

Research:

Since 2005, China has invested tens of billions of dollars annually in African infrastructure and development projects, including $61.2 billion in 2025 alone. This forms part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which focuses primarily on investments in Asian and African countries.

Find out more about the BRI, how this affects the countries involved and the criticism China has had to face. Also, why is China investing so much in other countries far away?

Work individually, then share your findings in class.

Present:

Choose an African country and do an in-depth study of its economic, democratic and social situation. Your presentation should / could include information about:

Colonial heritage (remnants of colonial power...)
Form of government (democratic, authoritarian, military regime etc...)
Human rights situation (discrimination, violence, torture etc...)
Social situation(educational level, gender equality, life expectancy etc...)
Economic situation (standard of living, inequality, corruption etc...)

Your findings could be presented in the form of a film, a written report or a presentation in front of the class. Agree with your teacher which form your presentation should take before you start your work.

Some useful sources:

Relatert innhold

Global issues in an African context

Many African countries share some features which may explain their lack of growth.