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‘Empowering people is a way of linking economic growth with human development.’ Discuss this statement with reference to aid programmes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 14 - 2015
Question 14
‘Empowering people is a way of linking economic growth with human development.’ Discuss this statement with reference to aid programmes.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘Empowering people is a way of linking economic growth with human development.’ Discuss this statement with reference to aid programmes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 14 - 2015
Step 1
Identification of Aid Programmes
Answer
Aid programmes primarily aim to empower communities by providing resources, training, and opportunities. These programmes can include micro-financing, educational initiatives, and health care, each serving to link economic growth and human development.
Step 2
Positive Aspects of Empowerment through Aid
Answer
Empowering individuals contributes to local economies by enabling them to start businesses, acquire skills, and improve employment prospects. For instance, micro-loans provided by NGOs can lead to entrepreneurship among women in disadvantaged sectors, directly impacting family income and societal status.
Step 3
Negative Aspects of Empowerment through Aid
Answer
While aid programmes can be beneficial, there are critiques regarding dependency on external assistance. Some argue that a continuous influx of aid can hinder local economies and create a reliance on foreign support, thus not genuinely empowering people.
Step 4
Examples of Effective Aid Programmes
Answer
One positive example is the Grameen Bank's microcredit initiatives in Bangladesh, which have significantly empowered women. Alternatively, the challenges faced by certain humanitarian aid programmes, which may unintentionally undermine local economies, serve as a cautionary tale.
Step 5