* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
VSO is delighted that Lords turned out in force today to support the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill, which guarantees the UK's commitment to overseas aid. The bill sees the UK commit to continue spending 0.7% of its Gross National Income on overseas aid.
Angela Salt, Director of VSO in the UK says:
“Everyday UK Aid gives people in some of the world’s poorest places a chance to help themselves so that everyone, everywhere, can live in a world where we all have a fair chance to determine our own futures. We are delighted that politicians from all parties have kept their promise to some of the most vulnerable people by enshrining this historic commitment into law. “
VSO volunteers see the impact of this aid every day, as they work to train local medics and teachers, working with businesses to create more and better jobs for young people, and helping governments to improve the administration of public services.
Daphne De Souza, VSO Volunteer Education and Gender Specialist Adviserin Nepal says:
"It is great that 0.7% of the UK's National income will continue to be allocated to development aid. Aid is a matter of equity in an unfair world. It can provide a stepping stone to empower communities that are socially excluded. Here in Nepal, I can see how it has improved the country's education sector. In Nepal the combination of local efforts and international aid projects means that 96% of children are now enrolled in primary schools and girls are as likely to be in school as boys.”
ENDS
For more information or to request an interview with VSO Director Angela Salt or VSO volunteer Daphne De Souza, contact VSO Press Office via Ruby Wright on ruby.wright@vso.org.ukand Tel: +44(0)7969983222
Notes to Editors:
VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers in some of the poorest countries to make lasting change. For over 50 years, we’ve been placing professional and skilled volunteers with partners, from grassroots groups to government ministries, to build their capacity. We also utilise the skills of national volunteers to share knowledge and take ownership of local development. www.vso.org.uk
Over 40 different organisations were committed to the www.turnupsavelives.org.uk campaign in support of the Bill including: Oxfam UK, Christian Aid, Plan UK, Save the Children, Bond, Tearfund, Unicef UK, CAFOD, RESULTS UK, Progressio, The ONE Campaign, WaterAid, Islamic Relief, VSO and World Jewish Relief
