Yesterday, Bill Gates published his first "annual letter" outlining his work on his two passions: Health and development in the world's poorest nations, and Education in America. (To receive the annual letter go to The Gates Foundation)
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has had a transforming effect on the developing world. One of the foundation's investments, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations, has saved more than three million lives since 2000.
The world is on the cusp of some big advances; in particular, a promising malaria vaccine.
On education, Mr. Gates says, "It is amazing how big a difference a great teacher makes versus an ineffective one. Research shows that there is only half as much variation in student achievement between schools as there is among classrooms in the same school. If you want your child to get the best education possible, it is actually more important to get him/her assigned to a great teacher than to a great school."
Mr. Gates' advice to those of us who might want to engage in micro-philanthropy? ...
He says that the key is to pick a cause ... whether its crops or disease or education or poverty. Pick one, and become knowledgeable in that subject. Go to see the problems first hand. Then pick an organization to support or start one of your own. Jump in with your time, your talent, and your treasure.
So try it.
The only difference between you and Mr. Gates is the scale.
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