The past few days the media has pounced on Madonna and her adoption attempt for a little girl in Malawi. The question is, is this child another collection to an "instant family" similar to the Pitt/Jolie clan, or a true attempt to create more awareness around a country that has a high infant mortality rate and alarming high HIV statistics. Madonna has already a son little David, whom she adopted from the same country in 2006.
Having been to a third world country I have seen children that are "poor" that live with a family that loves them and offers them basic living standards and have been amazed by their happiness. I often think that we in Western society are the "poor" ones living on material wealth and measuring our happiness thru disposable means ie; owning the newest i-phone or having the latest gizmo.
The issue sits around the reason as to why this child should be adopted or "saved" and it seems that everyone has an opinion on the matter.
Malawi is among the world's least developed and most densely populated countries. The economy is heavily based in agriculture, with a largely rural population. The Malawian government depends heavily on outside aid to meet development needs, although this need (and the aid offered) has decreased since 2000. The Malawian government faces challenges in growing the economy, improving education, health care and the environmental protection and becoming financially independent. Malawi has several programs developed since 2005 that focus on these issues, and the country's outlook appears to be improving, with improvements in economic growth, education and health care seen in 2007 and 2008.
Malawi has a low life expectancy and high infant mortality. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which is a drain on the labor force and government expenditures, and is expected to have a significant impact on gross domestic product (GDP) by 2010.
Extracted from Wikipedia
Judge Chondo who ruled on the court matter said that Mercy, whose name translates as Chifundo, has no need to be be rescued as she is being raised in one of Malawi's best orphanages.
"It is evident that Chifundo James no longer is subject to the conditions of poverty at her place of birth, since her admission at Kondanani orphanage," the ruling said.
"It is evident that Chifundo James no longer is subject to the conditions of poverty at her place of birth, since her admission at Kondanani orphanage," the ruling said.
What caught my attention to this latest celebrity news are these words; Allowing Madonna to adopt orphan Mercy James could have "facilitated child trafficking", according to the judge who rejected her application. This is a heavy statement as we think of child trafficking as something done in the darkness of the night, conducted by criminals and organised crime, not of a Pop Star by whom has made her intentions clear and transparent.
Authorities have made their decision, tho Madonna plans to appeal and with power and money could sway the next outcome.
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