AY Honors/Rural Development/Answer Key
1. Explain to your instructor why some countries in our world are called “developing” countries and why others are called “developed” countries.
2. Name ten developing countries and list two things that ADRA is doing in these countries that would fall under the description of “relief” and two things that would fall under the description of “development”.
Rather than provide a list of countries and projects (which changes over time), we direct you to do research on adra.org where you can explore projects by region and country.
Development projects are generally designed to make a long term impact in the developing area. Examples include infrastructure construction (roads, wells and water pipes, sewers, schools, hospitals etc), health programs, education (farming practices, healthy lifestyle, midwife training, basic eductaion and literacy), and microfinance (small loans to help people start businesses).
Relief work is a much smaller part of ADRAs focus but also very important. Relief efforts usually follow some natural or man-made disaster such as flooding, hurricanes or war. Relief coul mean providing emergency equipment (tents, water purification), clothing and food, or medical assistance for victims. Other relief may include helping victims contact families or even migrate away from a refugee camp.
Now go explore adra.org and make a list or current or recent projects in developing countries.
3. Read what Ellen White has written about why we have the poor with us in Desire of Ages, Chapter 70, entitled “The Least of These My Brethren”. Summarize what you have learned from this chapter in 50 words or less.
4. View an ADRA video report (www.adra.org) on development activities in other countries than your own, and participate in a discussion about what you see following the video.
Topics of discussion may include:
- Why is ADRA helping these people?
- What is ADRA doing to ensure a better life after ADRA leaves?
- What disadvantages do these people live under?
- Is there cultural issues, political issues, weather problems, or other issues you can identify?
- How is ADRAs policy of not discriminating based on religion working here?
- ADRA often focuses on women - if this project is women focused, why is that?
These are just example discussion points. Have fun and learn about helping others.
5. Participate in one of the following field trips or group projects:
a. Go on a mission trip to a disadvantaged rural area in another country or within your own nation.
This option is a perfect fit for an international mission trip with Maranatha Volunteers International maranatha.org as most mission trips build churches and schools in rural developing areas.
In North America and the South Pacific there are many poor rural areas (native reservations for example) that could be visited. In Europe, there is ample needs to be met in the poor rural areas of Eastern Europe.
Sometimes local conferences sponsor mission trips for young people that would qualify for this honor. You might also check with the nearest ADRA office.
