Description
One of the best definitions of diaspora is a large group of people with a similar heritage or homeland who have since moved out to places all over the world (vocabulary.com). The actual translation from Greek means "to scatter" and referred to Jewish people who were originally exiled in sixth century B.C. Today, the meaning has expanded to include all groups of peoples who live outside their homelands but remain connected to it, and their descendants who may or may not have a strong tie to the homeland.
Over the last half century, almost 250 million people have moved outside their country’s borders either by choice, refugee status, political and military conflicts or other reasons. With the advent of technological advances, it is now possible and easy to maintain relationships in home countries, travel to those countries, and positively influence the growth potential and progress of those countries through combined effort of the diaspora. The impact of group diaspora effort can be life-changing to the home country. Diasporas work with government agencies, other nonprofits, the corporate and the business community to implement initiatives for improved economies, trade opportunities, better governance, and access to technological advances in all areas (medicine, science, communication, education, etc.).
