Practice News Story Extra #10: Investigation

Practice News Story Extra #10: Investigative
November 30, 2007
Madison Hintze
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Involved with Africa Service

ABUJA, NIGERIA-Ted Turner and Bill and Melinda Gates were seen stepping off of a private jet together in Abuja, Nigeria to meet with African officials. The cause of this meeting is not known at this time.
Mayor Malik Ok, Mayor of the city, was available for questioning, but did not give much away. Ok said, “We have had some meetings and phone conversations over the last 3-4 months. We also made agreements not to talk about specifics but, they are very generous people-I believe they have our interest at heart.” Africa has very little funding to educate people to the level they want.
Bill Gates was also very ‘hush-hush’ about the meetings and the plans that seem to be forthcoming. Gates said, "Nothing specific has been announced, but it looks like in the next 2-3 months something involving education and millions of dollars will be announced. We are going to help out with health education.
Ted Turner will be helping in setting up a foundation similar to that of the United Nations Foundation. Their belief is to teach people to support themselves. The foundation will be helping in building ‘brick and mortar’ facilities as well as give workshops on many different health related topics. Ok said, “With the proper education, our people will no longer be infected with the diseases we are now facing.”
Staff will be provided to begin the education, overtime, and local staff members will take on the teaching positions. It looks to be a 10-year project, and then the local government will be able to fund it. The foundation is affecting at least five different nations.