UNICEF.....just so you know!

UNICEF is part of the problem in Guatemala. UNICEF has offered the Guatemala g0vernment something like 20 million dollars to switch the adoption process in Guatemala. This is NOT what is best for the children of Guatemala. Here is a post I found that is helpful:

"I actually work with international organizations, and heard an interesting speech last year that best sums up what the problem is with UNICEF and many other UN organzations. The international community actually refers to something called 'shrinkage" ( for any Seinfeld fans, I had a hard time keep a straight face for this one) Shrinkage is also called the 90/10 or 10/90 rule. Basically it means that you have to accept upfront that corruption is a way of life for many third world governments, so you try and modify your own policies so that 90 percent of aid dollars reach intended recipients, while only 10 percent is skimmed by government officials. If you are not careful, 90 percent is likely skimmed and 10 percent might make its way to whoever is in need. It is my opinion that the UN discourages personal involvement; instead encouraging contributions from governments and inviduals to its own organizations, so they can control and appropriate dollars where they see fit. International adoption is threatening primarily because it serves the short term financial interests of UN organizations to have legions of children waiting for adoption, then UNICEF or associated organizations can control funds, and keep the children in their native countries to preserve 'cultural heritage'. It does NOT serve the financial interests of the UN to have third world children successfully placed in loving homes in developed nations. You will notice that some of the celebrities, cultural or religious leaders who have Africa as favorite cause set up their own charities and fundraise primarily for them. They do this as a means of controlling how dollars are spent, rather than fundraising for the UN or governments of troubled nations. Many leaders and activist celebrities are reluctant to acknowledge the corruption of certain governments, fearing that fundraising efforts will be hurt. I was so furious when I began to understand the scope of this problem. I remember being at a dinner in Europe, seated next to someone who once worked with one of the international organizations fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. I asked why there wasn't more outrage over this corruption, and why it was so widespread. She explained that if corrupt practices were all government officials had ever known, and that people grew up thinking and accepting that that is how government is supposed to operate, it was very hard to implement change. Also, it helps the people in power remain in power if they have control over money, information and the ability to direct access to aid resources. One more point to help drive home what we are up against: Many people will find this hard to believe, but there are leaders of some nations of Africa who refuse to even acknowledge at this very moment that there is a disease called HIV/AIDS. They do not allow information regarding prevention and treatment to be distributed, nor do they allow treatment including lifesaving antiretrovirals to be administered."


I just wanted you to know......

Julie