Make Poverty History
I feel ashamed at myself for clearly having nothing to do today and yet not even attempting to go to Edinburgh. Anyway. I have been cleaning the house all day and have had the shocking ‘30,000 children die per day because of extreme poverty’ thing going round in my head. It makes me want to cry.... but what will that achieve... nothing. Anyway I wanted to get a scale of how many children that really is... I thought grains of rice might make like a couple of handful sized heaps..... So I counted out 500 which weighed 1/4 an ounce....... multiply that up and if I am not mistaken that is 15 ounces of rice...... that is a LOT of rice. If I knew how to post pictures, I would. That’s a pint glass full of rice….. It’s something like 5 portions of rice, each grain being a child that will die each day.
I feel sick and teary at the thought that no-one has done anything sooner. I've done all the emailing Tony Blair and signing the petitions, but still feel pretty helpless to do anything of any great value. Chris Martin signing 'Fix You' really really doesn't help...
posted by Ann @ 2:38 PM
6 Comments:
Fantastic image. I'm gonna link to this, and I think I'll get the camera out when I get home...
Blogged: Make Poverty History at Mactually
This might sound very American of me to say, but... You know, you could do something about it.
I usually hate statics. Especially those that land with a thud and immobilize individuals. This mysterious quote about the 30,000 seems to be doing exactly that.
Several suggestions from someone who has worked with kids from starving countries:
* Volunteer your time, and work with kids who need help. I'd suggest anything from soup kitchens to educational programs. Although 29,980 kids might be starving daily you could make a huge difference in the lives of the 20 who aren't anymore.
* Support organizations that help kids with donations of goods or money.
* Support organizations that help refugees. I don't know UK's policy on refugees, but you could always contact your politicians to allow more refugees in.
* Start or join organizations that help kids.
Y'know, you can make a difference.
Email me if you'd like any help finding organizations.
I would say the gauntlet has been thrown at your feet Ann...
Come on now, pack your bags, I expect to see you off on the next DC10 to where ever Medecins Sans Frontieres needs you.
...Or do you want K to think you're a bad person?! For shame!
Hmm!
Chris.... do you think I am a bad person?!
They are very good suggestions. I didn't just make the 30,000 up.. I promise it is in official statistics. Oh... sorry. I erm I get what you are saying now.... I thought you actually meant that you hated "Statics" and were referring to me for not doing much about it. I'm not so offended now.
Erm, I really can't see Andrew being too chuffed about me nicking off to Africa. Nor would I be able to cope with that... having just got back up after a depression... I think it would be a bit of a killer (Oh jesus! I am a bad person!), well not a killer, but personally foolish. I know this is bad but I am the sort of person who would rather give the money, send an email a letter, do some non-confrontational marching...but when it actually comes down to it. Travelling to another country to see in the flesh,what chokes me on television, is just not something I would do.
Is that bad? As for refugees in this country. I'm a bit ignorant to that. Perhaps that will be my next research.
Awww, I don't think you're a bad person Ann, just a mompster! ;op
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