Often times, we see advertisements of known celebrities such as Angelina Jolie encouraging people to help Africa. How severe is poverty in Africa? Many literatures would mention that Africa is the poorest continent on the planet. The graver reality is that majority of the world’s population is not aware of the devastating effects of this poverty such as disease, hunger and lack of basic necessities. Donating to Africa is not only a call for civic mercy but more of a humanitarian aid to the people who are victims of poverty. There are many ways wherein people can help Africa.
Packtor in 2014 reported that seventy-five percent (75%) of the poorest countries in the world are situated in Africa such as Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Liberia (Packtor, 2014). Residents continue to live under extreme poverty. By definition, extreme poverty is those people living on $1.25 or less per day. In the statistics gathered in 2010, estimates of 414 million people belong to this extreme poverty condition across the sub-Saharan Africa. In relation to poverty rates, the continent of Africa is also known for its high rates of malnutrition. A shocking ratio of one in three people residing in the sub-Saharan Africa region is considered undernourished (Packtor, 2014). Packtor in 2014 also added that the facts garnered for the past six years point out that Africa has the highest rate of people who are hungry in the world. In the millennium project of the United Nations, for example, it mentioned that around an estimate of forty percent (40%) of Africans do not have regular access to sufficient food supplies (Packtor, 2014).
As a result of the poor living conditions in Africa, it sparked various humanitarian organizations to do something for the ailing content. These groups tackle the major problems of health, food and education in Africa through collecting donation of people. The people who support the cause of these organizations come from all walks of life; some of the testimony of the people who are constantly donating would contain the themes of mercy and compassion for Africa that is why they continue to extend help. Some of the donation may not be as big compared to that of big corporations and group but the groups still welcome any amount and form of donation because they want to carry the message that everyone can help- everyone can donate. They even reach out to children to donate to their African counterparts by showing videos of kids in Africa playing with their make shift toys because they cannot afford to buy toys. This method is effective in teaching kids the value of helping others especially if they have extra resources. Due to the current state of Africa, throughout the years, various humanitarian movements were launched with one goal in mind- save Africa. Different groups aim to collect fund and good donations in order to address the lacking needs of the people in Africa. The good part of these movements is that anyone with resources can be part of the movement and donate to save the continent. One good example is Save the Children Foundation. The foundation’s main goal is to help combat issues of hunger by preventing malnutrition and improving the lives of the African Youth (Save the Children, 2016).
How to Donate to Africa:
Participate in Charity events
One good way is through the participation in charity activities such as runs. The Save the Children Foundation, for example, organizes races and attracts people to register wherein the fees paid are donated to Africa.
Some of the common events that serve as venues to raise money for Africa are concerts and art exhibits.
People donate to these events by purchasing tickets. The amount raised is then used for various efforts in Africa.
Some of the concerts are even supported by well known artists and performers in order to attract more people into purchasing tickets.
People can also chose from different methods such as Donate to Sponsor a Child, Donate Money and Fundraiser efforts to extend help to Africa.
These methods are usually highly organized to ensure that all the funds collected reach the designated community.
The efforts are results-oriented and driven by the principle of reaching out the needy.
Donate not only money and in kind
Another way to help Africa is through donating in kind. One organization called SHARE Africa focuses its chartable efforts in encouraging people to donate books, clothes, toys and shoes that they send to Africa.
They also want people to spend their time volunteering in their relief efforts. According to their mission, they want to make a positive difference in the lives of various African communities (Share Africa, 2016).
In order to support their noble cause, they encourage citizens to send packages to their office in Kenya.
The items that the organization receives will then be personally distributed to the children in the region.
Africa needs help. More than monetary aid, the content needs people who will not get tired of extending a hand to its people. Imagine children as young as three die due to malaria and malnutrition. Despite the condition of Africa improving over the past years due to the efforts of different humanitarian groups, the problem in poverty is still a dominating factor that hinders Africa from moving forward. In reality, everyone can help. No donation is too small or too big as long as the intention to help is present. African families will be grateful for any aid that reaches them due to the fact that they know that they are not forgotten. No matter what means of donation you choose, it will still change someone’s life in Africa.
The good thing about donating to organizations that support Africa is that the success stories that they share in their websites and publications are truly uplifting. The change in the lives of African children who are able to get good education despite their condition inspires not only their countrymen but also other people across the globe to continue supporting the educational effort of group because they see that there is a concrete result of their donations.
References:Paktor J (2014). Poverty Facts in Africa. Retrieved from: http://borgenproject.org/10-quick-facts-about-poverty-in-africa/
Save the Children (2016). Change a Child’s Life. Retrieved from:: http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.B143/Official_USA_Site.htm
SHARE Africa (2016). Making a positive difference in the lives of African communities. Retrieved from: http://shareafrica.org/donate/send-books-toys-shoes-clothes
