It is generally well-known that most of sub-Saharan Africa suffers from abject poverty. The daily struggles of Africans in these countries become all the more tragic when the numbers are examined; in Senegal, for example, more than half of the population lives below the poverty line, a meager $1.25 a day. Nearly half of Senegalese citizens are unemployed, and the GDP per capita hovers around $2,000. Along with access to food, water, and proper medical care, education is one of the biggest unmet needs in many impoverished African nations. School supplies, textbooks, and uniforms are often too expensive for families to afford. Tragically, many sub-Saharan countries lack sufficient educational facilities, making schooling next to impossible.
Looking through African charities to support can be a daunting task. All of us would like to better this world, but, of course, some charities in Africa do more good than others. In regards to improving educational prospects in third-world countries, no charity is better or more respected than buildOn (formerly known as Building with Books). BuildOn was founded in 1991 after backpacker Jim Ziolkowski witnessed Nepalese citizens joyfully celebrating the founding of a new school. Ziolkowski took this inspiration and turned it into an organization that has helped over 150,000 students from around the world realize their educational dreams. In the sub-Saharan countries of Mali, Malawi, and Senegal, well over 300 schools have already been built thanks to the contributions made to buildOn.
Many charities in Africa involve the donation of money or items alone. BuildOn, however, goes above and beyond other African charities, allowing individuals to travel to countries such as Senegal and Mali. While there, these individuals work with members of the local community to build schools by hand. The charity goes a step further, too, engaging members of the communities in the signing of covenants, ensuring that the future schools will provide equal educational opportunities for girls and young women as well. The structure and thought put into these charitable efforts has paid off, providing educational opportunities for children in countries where, just a generation or two earlier, no opportunities existed at all.
The schools built in these countries have not only generated greater gender equality, but have also improved literacy, agricultural knowledge, and health. Children aren’t the only ones affected, either. Programs like the Adult Literacy Program help adults in these nations attain the education they never had. These classes inform adults of ways in which they might earn better incomes, too. As one Malawian grandmother happily declared “I can die in peace now that I know [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][my grandchildren] will have an education and a better future.” The work this foundation does is nothing short of remarkable. The lives of men, women, and children have all been changed for the better, thanks to those good enough to lend a helping hand.
A number of other excellent charities in Africa also work to better the lives of those living in impoverished Sub-Saharan countries. The END Fund is one of many African charities that uses its donations to help provide medical treatment to those in rural Africa. The END Fund seeks to eradicate a number of tropical diseases such as intestinal worms and trachoma, as these diseases can easily be treated given the proper pharmaceuticals. Other notable African charities include Africare and the Against Malaria Foundation, both of which seek to improve the health conditions for those living in such countries as Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Malaria nets, which cost a mere $3 apiece, save thousands of lives in Africa every year. HIV/AIDS clinics set up in these countries aid in prevention and treatment as well. The Against Malaria Foundation and Africare both work to meet these crucial healthcare needs.
There are dozens of charities in Africa that are doing meaningful work every day. BuildOn’s focus on education and female empowerment is particularly powerful. The schools and educational programs they organize in Mali, Malawi, and Senegal have changed the lives of thousands of citizens for the better. Other organizations address specific issues such as famine and disease in the Sub-Saharan region. These charities are particularly important, as healthcare for the rural poor remains highly inadequate.
Education and wellness are the building-blocks upon which a stronger African society can be built. Quality charities like buildOn and Africare focus on these needs, and help Africans to help themselves. By choosing to contribute your time and volunteer efforts to a worthwhile charity, you will be choosing to change the lives of others for the better. There’s no better decision you can make.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
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