Extra Practice News Story #9: Investigative

Huge Philanthropic Endeavor Headed for Africa
Posted: 1:02 p.m. MST, March 30, 2007

Logan, Utah- Multi billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates and Ted Turner are planning to possibly combine their resources to create, “The biggest project that’s been undertaken in the areas of education and health,” said Bill Gates. I was able to speak with them briefly after I witnessed them coming off of a private jet together in Africa. They were there to meet with some local African officials to discuss some of their ideas.

Bill Gates wants the projects to affect Africa on a local level, he said that that is why they were meeting with the local officials; to determine the local needs and discover how they might raise the quality of life. Malik Ok, a local African Mayor, seems very excited about this opportunity. He said, “I feel so honored to be contacted by them.” He said overall that the main goal for these projects would be dealing with education. He commented of Bill and Melinda Gates and Ted Turner, “They want to teach my people how to fish not just give them a fish … they want to teach them to do things better.”

Bill Gates said that he is planning on pulling out of Microsoft in 2008 and working full time on philanthropic endeavors. He said that they have two goals to accomplish … to raise education and to eradicate diseases. He commented, “What better place to do that than Africa.” It seems that the African people will be very receptive from what Malik Ok said, “Overall my people seem confident that something positive will come out of this.”

When asked about the connection between the Gates’ and Ted Turner they both commented that they don’t have a formal relationship, but they recognized their similar goals and want to combine their resources for this endeavor. They are both putting a lot of money and time into these kind of projects, I have found several other things that they are doing. Below are some links to more information about them:

Bill and Melinda Gates: Founders of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- http://www.gatesfoundation.org/GlobalHealth/
- http://www.gatesfoundation.org/GlobalDevelopment/


Ted Turner is involved with several Foundations, here is a list of a few of them: Better World Fund Inc., United Nations Foundation, Captain Planet Foundation, The Turner Foundation. Working Together to Solve Global Concerns The UN Foundation has identified four areas of particular interest: Children's Health Environment Peace, Security and Human Rights Women and Population. (www.unfoundation.org)