Window

This is Window, the best dressed plumber in Lilongwe.

The Myths that Block Progress for the Poor

Bill and Melinda gates put together this letter regarding the status of poor countries, the necessity and influence of foreign aid in countries, and the affect of health interventions and infant mortality rates on population growth.

Working in one of the most-aid dependent countries in the world, I appreciate this article. I do not agree with everything Mr. Gates says, but Ms. Gates expresses the last set of facts brilliantly.

When I was in rural Uganda and I told a group of women I did not want to have children, I finally agreed to "fine, just one" in order that they would ease up on me. It did have the quieting effect for which I was hoping. The women were appalled. Their reaction was more severe than if I were to remain a childless old maid. These women lived a different reality than I did. In a country with infant-mortality not just a statistic, but influencing the daily lives of families, I was told firmly and repeatedly:  "You must have at least 2... in case one of them dies."

Malawi's Children of Tobacco

Al Jazeera's Take on ItAl Jazeera's take on child labor in Malawi