Africanihelpyou?

Gunmen Kill Five Peacekeepers in Darfur

plwitte — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:59:24 +0000

In recent news, five peacekeepers were killed in Darfur. The attacks were after peacekeepers from the United Nations African Union Force, who were there to actually protect citizens. The attacks occurred on Friday and Saturday and the purpose for them is still unknown. The situation in itself is revealing how vulnerable and under funded aid workers are suffering in Darfur. It is sad that these people had to die doing something so great for others!

Sponsor a Child or Family During the Holidays!

plwitte — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:46:43 +0000

This Christmas I would encourage families to sponsor a child in Africa! I recently found an awesome organization at http://www.worldvision.org. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization that serves nearly 100 million people around the world. The program is truly extraordinary! Please check out this website over the holiday season and consider sponsoring a child or family in Africa. The website is organized and well instructed in your mission to serve others!

Kids Playing at the House of Hope in Malawi!

plwitte — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:38:58 +0000

Click on the picture to take you to nytimes.com and read more about the House of Hope in Malawi!

Home of Hope in Malawi!

plwitte — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:31:49 +0000

Over the past five years billions of dollars from foreign aid has been spent on orphans. However, researchers have found that donors need to carefully decide where they are giving their money. If people could donate more to governmentally run programs rather than international ones ran by volunteers, the money would be distributed more effectively. The Home of Hope is one orphanage recognized (in nytimes.com) located in Malawi. The orphanage currently holds 653 children and is supported by families, churches and charities around the world. Children who are put in an orphanage truly are being taken care of, educated and fed, and are at a better place than if they were on the streets.

Agriculture Subsidies Hit Africa Farmers

plwitte — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 22:17:30 +0000

Christmas in Africa?

plwitte — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 22:09:00 +0000

Christmas in Africa is celebrated in many communities. There are about 350 million Christians in Africa. Those who can afford to give gifts do, but the commercial aspect is far less important than it is in America..

How to Say Merry Christmas

In Akan (Ghana) Afishapa

In Zimbabwe Merry Kisimusi

In Afrikaans (South Africa) Geseënde Kersfees

In Zulu (South Africa) Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle

In Swazi (Swaziland) Sinifisela Khisimusi Lomuhle

In Sotho (Lesthoto) Matswalo a Morena a Mabotse

In Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) Kuwa na Krismasi njema

In Amharic (Ethiopia) Melkam Yelidet Beaal

In Egyptian (Egypt) Colo sana wintom tiebeen

In Yoruba (Nigeria) E ku odun, e hu iye’ dun!

A Cholera Epidemic in Kenya

plwitte — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:59:26 +0000

A recent Cholera epidemic has hit Kenya and the number of cases are spreading rapidly. There have been approximately 4,700 cases this last month and even 119 deaths. The disease is spread through dirty water. Since most of Kenya has been suffering from a drought, the few rains they do have leave the people with dirty germ infested water. It has been reported that people who get the disease can die within a day if not treated properly. Kenya needs about $7.5 million for medicine and testing kits. The epidemic needs to come to a halt before it is to late and could possibly come to the United States.

Ways to Give Back!

plwitte — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:20:30 +0000

I know budgets are tight around this time of the year, especially in this economy, but how can we save some money to be able to give to others? Here are some ideas…

For Christmas, buy your children a pair of TOMS, they will love them and a child in Africa will get a pair too!

Have a garage sale and get rid of what’s cluttering your closets, give a percentage of money you earn to a charity of your choice.

Sponsor a kid in Africa who will not be able to celebrate Christmas

Go serve at a soup kitchen to help the homeless (wouldn’t you want the same if you were in there shoes?)

As a family, make homemade Christmas cookies and give them to your neighbors… JUST BECAUSE!

Simply cut back on the gifts! (Is that what Christmas is all about?)

Season of Love!

plwitte — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:59:04 +0000

Today I was interviewing a friend who has gone on three different mission trips to Africa. Around this time of the year it is easy to get caught up with holiday gifts for friends and family… but days that make sense? Does it make sense to give to others who could have bought it for themselves? I asked my friend Laura what the kids in Africa would enjoy getting the most. “They really need jackets and shoes, you would be surprised at how cold it gets there!” Later she told me how on her mission trips to Africa they would give the kids pencils, a backpack and a pair of shoes and the kids would cry tears of joy! “It is amazing how the simplest things can change a kids life,” Laura exclaimed. I hope American families can realize what this season is all about and take the time to think about others in need. With that said, lets make this a season of love rather than a season of gift exchanges!

South Africa Schools Battle Apartheid

plwitte — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:24:00 +0000

The schools in South Africa are still battling the apartheid era. The government had established a, “Bantu,” system making blacks inferior laborers. Today, most teachers are enable to effectively teach their students because they had received inferior education themselves. Teachers also have been notoriously known to take extra sick days. One teacher noted, “They are not punctual in the morning. How do we expect learners to behave if we do not behave?”

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/09/19/world/20090920-SAFRICA_8.html