Now in its fifth year, the Blog provides a stimulating yet supportive online space in which to discuss current events and trends in International Development. Through it, we hope to engage young people in global issues and promote global citizenship. See below for our latest posts. We hope you enjoy exploring The DiA Blog.
Foreign Aid FAQs – #5 “Foreign aid fuels overpopulation”
Concerns about overpopulation, or the ‘population explosion’ as it’s sometimes called, are widespread at the moment. The logic surrounding these concerns is understandable –...
Foreign Aid FAQs – #4 “Overseas aid charities are fraudulent”
We’ve all been there – you’re walking down the high street and someone in a brightly coloured t-shirt stops you to ask for donations...
Time for change in South Africa: the ANC picks a new leader
Ever controversial, Jacob Zuma gave his last speech as President of the ANC today. Will his replacement create change in South Africa? Sammy Fookes...
Foreign Aid FAQs – #3 “We send too much money abroad”
Given the significant amount of coverage which the UK foreign aid budget receives in the press, in political discussion, and in charities’ external communications,...
Foreign Aid FAQs – #2 “Foreign aid should be cut to pay for public services”
In any given episode of Question Time, especially during episodes in which the NHS funding crisis is discussed, there is a high chance that...
Foreign Aid FAQs – #1 “Charity begins at home”
The original meaning of this proverb was that a person’s first responsibility is for the needs of their own family and friends. However, nowadays...
Freedom from Tyranny
Two armoured vehicles were parked beside the main road from Harare to Chinhoyi, about 20 km from the city. The news was received with...
#MenToo
Josh Bullen looks back on how the #MeToo campaign inspired men to stand up for women
Exit Priti Patel
International Development Secretary Priti Patel was forced to resign on 9th November. Has Theresa May made the right choice appointing Penny Mordaunt to replace her, asks Sammy Fookes
A charity that deserves to sparkle
As part of our series on small UK NGOs and charities, Christy O’Neil profiles The Sparkle Foundation, an organisation supporting communities in Malawi, one of the world’s poorest countries.
Does short-term volunteering abroad do more harm than good?
This month the London International Development Centre (LIDC) with The Guardian Global Development Network hosted a talk on voluntourism as part of a series of panel debates on key issues in international development. Shefali Shah went along to find out more.
Global Migration and Economic Empowerment: The Wage Crisis Faced by Refugees
As crisis in the Middle East and North Africa spreads, thousands have sought safety abroad as refugees seeking political asylum. Here, Adam Grech examines the complex relationship between the needs of those seeking asylum in host nations. Also, he considers the distinct policy gaps that exist in fully addressing migration challenges, and the ultimate success of those searching for a new home.
Development aid and tackling austerity: exploring new COIN strategies for the future
In this article, Sam Griffith argues that exploring the potential of effective development aid overseas and tackling anger over austerity policies in the UK, offer distinct opportunities for tackling terrorism, in a debate that, at times, overwhelmingly revolves around undermining civil liberties.
Investing in the future of street children: the StreetInvest approach
After completing an internship in Jamaica working in the field with a government development agency, Reni came back to the UK with the desire to learn more about how development works in an international context. She came across StreetInvest, a small international NGO focusing on street children. Little did she know that StreetInvest is about much more than bringing street children back to school or home, the approaches that she had encountered in my field work.
What We Do: DiA UK Workshops
Development in Action’s mission is to promote global citizenship by improving understanding of and engagement in development issues amongst young people in the UK. Our Global Citizenship Workshops are one of the key ways in which we achieve this. Some of our UK Workshop leaders – Pauline Niesseron and Oliver Deacock have written about their experiences running our Global Citizenship Workshops, and the important lessons they have learnt whilst working for DiA.
The Refugee Crisis: What can we learn from World Bank programmes?
The refugee crisis has garnered a fair share of attention over the past few years. It has frequented headlines and influenced politics, with Western...
International Development is Under Attack: We need a new approach
In this article, our Communications Manager Mark Normington argues that the responses overseas aid charities have made to recent attacks from the right-wing press have been counter-productive.
Is the UK Aid budget under threat from Conservative reforms?
A recent opinion article by Zoe Williams highlighted the dubious spending of the UK Aid budget on private, for-profit investments in developing countries which masquerade as projects in the best interests of the most vulnerable in society. Luke Humphrey investigates the Conservative Party policy on the UK Aid budget and what it means for the future of UK Aid.
Pulling Strings: The Fine Print Behind Development Aid
While development aid can provide countries and their citizens with the resources necessary to complete crucial infrastructure and relief projects, it often comes with an unintended price. Adam Grech examines the conditions that often come attached to aid, and the ways in which they can hinder, rather than promote, national development.
5 Reasons why Cooperation is Key for Development
The launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 focused the world’s attention on 17 “Global Goals” to be met by 2030. They highlight...