Hi Everyone,
I want to share with you some information that will help you in understanding my desire to work in Africa. You know, I've had many people question my decision to travel and live in the most deprived continent in the world. All I can say is that I am being called, and I have to answer. I only wish that everyone was as lucky as me. I am 26 years old and I have found what I want to do with the rest of my life!
Here are some facts about the continent that is about to become home for me:
- More than 50 per cent of the population in Africa live below the poverty line and as many as 30 per cent live in extreme poverty (I personally estimate this to be higher)
- For those children who are lucky enough to attend school, over 25 per cent of students drop out before grade 6
- Without the help of food support from donor organizations, children in the most deprived areas of Africa will not see food for days. Imagine trying to learn while you are slowly starving to death.
- More than 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $1 a day
- About half of all adults are unable to read or write
- Africa is home to 34 of the world's 49 poorest countries
- More than 44 million primary-school aged children are out of school in Africa
- More than 12 million children in Africa have lost at least one parent to war or disease
- Women account for 57 per cent of all adults in Sub-Saharan Africa infected with HIV or AIDS
- The rate of rape against women and children is staggering. In countries like South Africa, the Congo and Sudan, women and young girls are raped every 6 seconds
- There are more orphans in Africa than there are children in Canada
These are just a few of the reasons I have become so involved in the plight of Africa's people. Let us all reflect on how fortunate we are to be living in this wonderful country of ours! And let's never take a single day for granted!
Love Heather
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