ASAP Overview

More than one billion people in the world (primarily in Africa and South and East Asia) live on less than $1 a day.  They live in a state of poverty so severe that they are unable to meet basic needs for survival.  As described by world renowned economist, Jeffrey Sachs,

       “They are chronically hungry, unable to access health care, lack the         amenities of safe drinking water and sanitation, cannot afford         education for some or all of the children, and perhaps lack         rudimentary shelter—a roof to keep the rain out of the hut, a         chimney to remove the smoke from the cook stove—and basic         articles of clothing, such as shoes.”  

Living in such conditions makes it difficult for those in extreme poverty to obtain employment, which is hard to find in the developing world.  It is equally challenging to find self-employment, such as running a microenterprise (e.g. selling fruits and vegetables or used clothing).  Most very poor people are day laborers, subsistence farmers, or beggars – fighting to survive on pennies each day. 

If we imagine economic development as a ladder, with the higher rungs representing the steps leading to economic self-reliance, most very poor people would not even have a foot on the first rung.  However, this does not have to be the case. 

There are practical solutions, technologies and interventions available to help everyone ascend the first rung of the ladder, employment or self-employment, solutions that will lead them towards economic self-reliance.

ASAP knows that we, as a world, can end extreme poverty by the year 2025. 
ASAP knows the world’s youth will play a leading role in putting poverty where it belongs, in our textbooks. 

ASAP will:

1. Mobilize the world’s students into an alliance against extreme poverty.
2. Build awareness throughout the world about those living in extreme poverty.
3. Raise funds through a $1/day pledge campaign for those living on less than $1/day.
4. Provide opportunities for students to witness extreme poverty firsthand and work with peers, as well as professionals, in the developing world.
5. Fund existing organizations that reach and serve the world’s poorest families.

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