See what I saw on my most recent trip to Africa See what I saw on my most recent trip to Africa_ Bill Gates
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| Bill Gates |
look away, impossible for them not to help.
I was naïve about the deep poverty in the world until I took my first trip to Africa with Melinda in 1993. Seeing the disparities with our own eyes made all the difference and inspired us to start our foundation.
Since then, I’ve continued to travel regularly to Africa, India, and other parts of the developing world. I always return from my trips humbled and inspired. My one disappointment is that I wish everyone could have seen what I did. I have no doubt it would help more people become aware of the challenges the world’s poorest people face. It would also leave them as optimistic as I am about the incredible progress the world is making in health and development.
During my trip to South Africa in July, I tried something new that I hope will allow people to experience what I have. I had highlights of my visit recorded in virtual reality. It’s still an emerging technology but what excites me about it is that it allows viewers to immerse themselves in another world. You can look up and down. Turn right or left. Listen to sounds all around you. I used to think there was no substitute to being there and seeing things for yourself. But virtual reality is a close second. It fulfills my dream of allowing people to see what I’m seeing and, perhaps, feel what I’m feeling, too.gatenotes
