Very interesting-sounding book (I haven't read it yet) that advocates treating the poor in developing areas as customers and potential entrepreneurs, rather than charity cases, is the best way to help lift them up.
http://www.amazon.com/Out-Poverty-Traditional-Approaches-Currents/dp/1576754499/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top (http://www.amazon.com/Out-Poverty-Traditional-Approaches-Currents/dp/1576754499/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)
http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-14/tech/solar.light.bulbs_1_bulbs-free-market-solar-light?_s=PM:TECH (http://articles.cnn.com/2011-08-14/tech/solar.light.bulbs_1_bulbs-free-market-solar-light?_s=PM:TECH)