Adopt a country.

Lately I have been thinking about a new initiative that is an interesting way of tackling poverty, and disease worldwide.

It’s quite simple really:

What if every developed country took a third world country under their wing?
An adoption of sorts…although I’m not sure that is the best word.

Seems to me like it’s one of those ideas were people say “Oh they must have thought of that already” or “it’s too hard.

But is it?

Think about it, at the moment each country has numerous aid agencies and charities doing what seems like an endless amount of work in an infinite amount of areas.

There is no real organisation; there is no sense of achievement there are no performance measurements or accountability.

What if each country adopted a nation which in relative terms was a fair match and poured all their heart and soul into tackling issues in that one place.

Step by step.

For example here in New Zealand…maybe we would adopt Bali.

The U.S could adopt a large country with more problems like Zimbabwe for example.

The government would get involved providing money, resources and even troops if needed.

So would The Red Cross and World Vision - instead of money from each charity going into a big worldwide pot, what if the money raised in New Zealand was funnelled into our adopted country?

Why this would work:

• The people in the country that is doing the adopting would become more involved they would see the difference and feel hope that a change can be made. This would be done through reality TV shows and media coverage. Schools would get on board so would many organisations.

• It could even be broken down where a smaller region say Northland, adopts a smaller region in Bali. Tackling issues on a face to face basis, working with the locals who will inevitably become friends.

• The two cultures can share stories, plans, and resources as well as dance and food - which will be of benefit to both parties.

• By each developed country choosing one under developed country to focus on it becomes a challenge not only onto themselves - to provide real results but also as a competitive system, The US would want to show how great they were doing. Britain would go even further etc.

• Companies can get their sleeves rolled up too, at the moment it would be hard to take on anything; after all there are so many problems in the world. By doing this we are narrowing the margins. A communications company can help setup Broadband in their adopted country. A fashion label could help produce cheap clothes made from local resources.


This is just one small idea that needs planning and fleshing out. But if you think like me then maybe you can see the potential.

I believe this idea could change the world forever. I’ve been waiting for an idea like this.

I think we need to start a grass roots campaign to inspire John Key to formally adopt a country, let’s get all our aid agencies on the same leaf and issue a challenge for other nations to do the same.

Like Ghandi said “Be the change you want to see in the world!

What do you say… are you in?

I need a web designer to start a petition page and maybe can get the ball rolling.

hmmmm maybe www.adoptacountry.com, it has a ring to it.

Please forward this link to all your friends that you think will appreciate it.

And hopefully we’ll have a petition to sign soon.

I look forward to your comments.

Peace.