What makes a nation developed

The classification of a country as developing or developed is based solely on economic data.  This reliance on economic development has taken precedence over social development.  The impact of poor social development can be seen in our society in many areas.  As an example:

• Suicide rate in Australia is 21.5 per 100,000 people
• Two of the most developed countries have even higher rates Finland is 43.4 per 100,000 people, Switzerland is 29.5 per 100,000 people.
• Whereas so called developing nations have much lower rates, Zimbabwe is 10.4 per 100,000 people, Panama is 7 per 100,000 people, and Peru is 0.7 per 100,000 people.
• Australia has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world.
• The United States has the highest number of teen pregnancies in the industrial world.
• Alcohol is a major contributing cause of death and hospitalisation for young Australians (15–24yr olds)

There are many statistics that could be listed illustrating the consequences of the lack of social development.  How many times do we hear people say “things were better in the old days”?  Are they saying they want to go back to poor health systems, poor road infrastructure, lack of work, etc. of course not, what they desire is a return to community.

It has been said that you can judge the health of a community by the health of its young people.  How do we stack up?

A major factor in all of this is that people have lost a sense of belonging and a hope for the future.  Without that we are lost to economic development, where the only important person in the world is me…me…me.  We must invest our money to get the highest return regardless of the consequences of those who lose because of our gain.  As Christians we must make a decision to change or face the consequences.

Overseas Aid

A recent newspaper feature by news limited highlighted problems with the “Aid Industry” where large amounts of the aid dollar is spent on expensive consultants and little outcome is seen in communities.  Should we, as Australians, expect a better outcome for our $4+ billion aid program than what we are currently getting? 

It’s a beautiful day

Dr Paul Turner has seen both sides of development and need.  Expelled from school at seventeen he was written off by many as a burden to society.  Although this was not the way things turned out.  A number of people coming alongside him and giving him positive support, led Paul to go on to become a Professor in Tropical Medicine as well as working for a number of international agencies.  He recognises, from experience, that giving positive support to people gives them hope and developing community structures will give them a sense of belonging.

Paul has written a book, the title of which comes from a U2 song, ‘It’s a Beautiful Day, don’t let it get away’, to help others recognise the positive in their lives. So much of the Church’s message is negative and based around our problems not recognising our God given talent.  In the book there are 30 exercises which will enable people to see the good in themselves, their families and the community around them and forms the basis for a personal journal.  Starting on a positive base will give a good platform for building hope for the future and give people the sense of belonging so desperately needed.  He also highlights problems with international aid programs, short term missions and general aid, asking the question, do communities deserve more?

In the same way we give health warnings on cigarettes, should we give health warnings on our development plans for countries ‘less developed’ than our own, that economic development being offered may cause harm to their communities.

Comments about the book

“Paul Turner has had an extraordinary life as illustrated in his book “It’s a Beautiful Day”.  Paul’s writing style is easy to read consequently readers can learn life skills from the crucible of his experiences.  The “change your life” boxes, throughout the book, make ideas easy to follow which should be particularly valuable for young people.  I wholeheartedly agree with the notion of mentoring and my career would have been poorer without mentors throughout my life.  I hope this influences the reader to learn from Paul’s philosophy forged from early adversity.Dr John Herron, Former Senator, Surgeon and Ambassador and currently Chairman of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation

“Paul Turner’s book is full of excellent advice on how to live full lives while rebuilding our communities. He courageously shares his own mistakes so that the reader can learn from them, but Paul also has the wisdom and experience to demonstrate how a positive outlook combined with a community-centered approach can create a more liveable world for all.”

Mr Jim Diers, First director of Seattle Department of Neighbourhoods, Director of South Downtown foundation, Faculty member of the University of Washington Department of Architecture and University of Chicago Asset -Based Community Development Institute.

Books are available for $24.99 plus postage from directly from Paul by contacting him via email on Turnerbout@bipond.com

Or from most good bookshops, Borders, Dymocks or QBD.