On Nov 29, 2013 5:14 AM, "Raul Veede" <raul.veede@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>... you would like to focus on real global problems that
> are also connected to the problems of the Wikimedian
> community like creating a reliable education system
> in Sub-Saharan Africa?

That is in fact my day job. I have been unable to effect as positive change in the field in large if not largest part due to the economic and political conditions in the United States, where I used to live. Why isn't USAID doing as much for Africa as it did for the Pacific Rim? Because the diplomats have been losing out to the arms dealers internationally.
If Wikimedians wanted to address that problem within the confines of not taking a stand on U.S. economic issues, we could have a drive to translate instructions for obtaining exchange student visas and invitations. I think that would be great, but much less effective than taking a principled stand on the economic issues which enable the arms dealers to operate with impunity in the largest economy where most of them are connected with to begin with.

I have done plenty for education in the developing world, including improving some of the most important health care articles and preparing them for translation. If I thought the most positive overall change could be effected by doing something about the developing world, then I would say so, and I have long been on record as supporting the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its protocols without reservation, e.g. at http://j.mp/amendmentact

Best regards,
James Salsman