Thursday, August 5, 2010

Africa's True Treasure

Africa is a continent of great contrast. There is unimaginable beauty in its sweeping landscapes and soft, golden air.. and heartrending poverty evidenced by round-bellied youngsters on roadsides who stoically wait with hand outstretched to each passer-by who might offer sustenance of one sort or another.

Those children whose families can afford uniforms and fees fare better, and are able to attend school. They exit their modest dwellings, white shirts impeccable and heads high, to walk long distances on dusty roads to their classrooms.

Many clutch containers: their first job of the day is to collect the kerosene needed to fuel lamps and cooking stoves.
They eye us curiously as we pass by in our safari trucks, and so often offer a smile that's wider than the sky.


That smile is what I wish for every child, the simple joy of a day with enough to eat, and the chance to build a better life through education. While such things are a given for most children in North America, this is not the case in Sub-Saharan Africa. I've written previously of how AIDS/HIV, corruption and war are crippling families and depriving children of a future.

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It is estimated that fifteen million orphans in Africa struggle daily to get by without parents or support systems.
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Fifteen million...
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These beautiful children are the true treasures of the African continent. I never tire of looking at their eager faces...the expectation of children everywhere that the world will bring them joy and fulfillment.




We must make this a world that offers every child that hope.
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I am not brilliant..I do not know how to stop the government corruption that keeps aid money from getting to the needy..or
how to help forgotten orphans in far-flung villages who have lost their parents and
grandparents to AIDS and poverty..but I know I must do something.
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I went to Africa as a tourist after years of
dreaming I might. I saw beauty that left me breathles, and fell in love with its many joys..but nothing touched my heart so deeply as its children.




Children are our future. Whether here or on the other side of the world, they are our greatest treasure and our richest resource.
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My hope is that every child's face may shine with health and the anticipation of good things to come, no matter where they happen to live.
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Surely that's not too much to ask...is it?
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6 comments:

  1. Oh this is so beautiful and moving, Lynette, and sadly so true. I love the photos and, like you, I can never get over the beauty and joy in these childrens' faces, amazing joy considering how they struggle. A beautiful post. Cant wait for more. I love hearing about your travels, and seeing your wonderful photos.

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  2. Here is a beautiful little story for you and your other readers. My friend David owns a video store here in town. Over the years of my renting movies and him recommending the ones that move him, we have recognized each other as kindred spirits. He is a humanitarian,with a big heart. He often cries with emotion when telling me one story or other.

    He and his wife are just back from a few weeks in Central America. The story he brought back is so David! He and his wife were waiting to board the plane at the end of their trip when a little boy came along, tugging at his shirt, asking to shine his shoes. David had sandals on but said he could shine his wife's shoes. He said he watched his little hands polishing away, the boy asked a quarter. David gave him a dollar and another dollar for his little sister. As they walked away David got very quiet. His wife said "you are quiet." He stopped. He said "What is the difference between this little boy and my own son?" He went back. There was no time to do everything right then as they had to get on the plane. But David arranged through a man who was there, for the man to be a liaison, and David promised to pay to send both children to school - all the way through school.

    That's my David. People can be so beautiful!

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  3. Sherry..that is an extraordinary story! David has helped those lives take an amazing turn for the better! So many in the world are in need of help. We gave and gave when we were in Africa, but the only thing that will make a true difference is to educate these children. Uplifting them means their whole community benefits...in turn, so does the country, and the world. We are all family on this planet...

    Thanks so much for sharing that...your friend David is someone I'd be honoured to call friend...

    Lynette

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  4. your stories often have a moving effect on me. i think that you would do all that you could to make this a brighter place. i think that you already do.

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  5. Oh I love your line of reading on the left hand side, Lynette. Each cover demands to be opened, one wants to dive in!!!! Good idea!!!!!!!

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  6. You've captured the "real" spirit of Africa here, not the "commercial" stuff they show on the tv.
    Great work. You make us feel like we are right there with you and your camera. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in your special memories.

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I'm glad your travels have brought you to my little corner of blogland! I'm Lynette and I'm interested to know where you've been and what you think...