General Chat

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So much is being done to raise awareness of poverty in Africa. Much lobbying is being done of the G8 leaders to wipe out 3rd world debt and to help the poorest people on earth. We can all do our bit on a PRACTICAL level by sponsoring an African child. Depending on the project you choose to support, giving between £12 and £40 per month can put a child through school, buy him clothes and feed him. The higher amount supports an orphan. £12 for me means sacrificing 2 magazines a week. For someone else it will mean a few less pints, for another it is about 60 cigarettes. Some people cannot possibly afford even £12 a month no matter how much they cut back because they are living on the breadline themselves. Many of us can though and it will be interesting, as a nation, to see if people are prepared to put their money where their mouths are and sponsor a child who could easily grow up to be a doctor or teacher or if the world is going to make all the right noises but turn their backs because 'it's not my problem' and pass the buck. Do we REALLY want to make poverty history or are we caught up in the feel good factor of mass hysteria?

I already do wendy, I sponsor a child through'world Vision' and have done it for years, iagree its a great way to help,I also get regular letters, i think this is my 3 child now, once they get established you go onto another one, its wonderful seeing their progress. Roxanne xx

It's the best way to help isn't it Roxanne? Instead of relying on handouts they are learning how to fend for themselves. I love the letters and pictures. The project we support, Education For Life, always get the children to reply as soon as they receive our letters and they always want a photograph of the people sponsoring them. For some children the sponsor is the nearest they have to family and the photo becomes their most treasured posession.

I keep all my letters and photos, I get a real kick out of seeing them become independent and educated people, if everyone sponsored one child can you imagine the impact. Roxannex

Bendy have mailed you for address , thanks suex

It would certainly wipe out world poverty wouldn't it?

Thanks Sue. xx

I think so wendy, teaching people independence is vital to their survival, most dont want hand outs they want practical help. Roxanne x

Great idea, I have just sent for the information pack on the World Vision site after reading your thread, I wonder how many people after watching the great concerts around the world yesterday will be able to do what is needed for the people of Africa.If it gives just one child a chance of survival it is worth it. Heather

Heather :-))

Bendy, All done signed sealed and ready for postman pat to pick up am. Thanks again for helping me on my way, even considering going over next year health permitting would love to work with the kids, although it would be a busmans holiday lol suex

Sue - you absolute star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxx

To all who are thinking of doing it, you will feel involved and as if you are doing something positive,IT WORKS!!! Roxanne x

I'm so glad you've raised this issue Wendy - I sponsor a child in Uganda through an organisation called Plan - I recently had a letter written by the child himself (all previous letters were done by a village charity worker) - this was such a great feeling, knowing that he was getting the benefit of a good education etc. You get updates and photographs, if anyone would like further info, please say so, I'm still in UK at the mo!!

Sheila - it must have been fabulous to have a letter written by the child himself. These children know the value of an education and they make a huge effort to learn because they realise how easily things may have been different for them.

Nudge,because it works!

You can also try to buy fair trade produce wherever possible. This ensures that the producer gets a fair share of the profit instead of the middle man. The range is getting larger all the time and is now available in Supermarkets. The products are comparable in both price and flavour to the household name brands. I can vouch for the coffee, sugar, chocolate and bananas and my partner certainly enjoys the Co-op fair trade wines.

Wendy - yes, I was so thrilled, he couldn't read or write well when I first started to contact him, but is now doing really well at school!

For people who want to MAKE a difference rather than just TALK about it.