Extreme Poverty
What's the problem?
Millions of people are dying because they can't afford to buy food.
Imagine having no food, no shelter, and no access to medical care when you are sick. Imagine not having the opportunity of learning to read and write. Imagine having no hope for the future as you literally struggle to get through each day. Imagine not being able to earn an income. Imagine having to walk for several kilometres to get water (which makes you sick when you drink it anyway).
In today's world, poverty is unacceptable. We live in a world with the power to end poverty forever - the tools and resources are available now, and yet people are still dying from starvation every single day.
It's time for change.
How can I get involved?
1) Get educated
How much do you really know about poverty? You can learn more at the Micah Challenge website, the World Vision website, and the Salvation Army International Development website.
2) Sponsor a child
Millions of children around the world are trapped in the cycle of poverty, without hope and future. You can make a difference! For just $25 a month you can help a child achieve their potential through The Salvation Army's Child Sponsorship Program.
3) Sacrifice a birthday present
Next time you have a birthday, ask people to buy something from the Gifts that Keep on Giving catalogue.
For $45 they could buy a goat for a family in a developing nation. This will set them up with meat, milk and an ongoing income. For just $10 they could buy a family a chicken, providing them with eggs!
4) Go on a missions trip
- Those 16 or over can head overseas with The Salvation Army through Hands Abroad.
- If you're not 16, you can still head overseas with an organisation called Teen Missions.
5) Do the 40 Hour Famine
Bite back at world hunger by doing the 40 Hour Famine. Go without food for 40 hours to raise money and awareness, and make a real difference in the lives of people overseas.
6) Write a letter
Let your government know that you want them to take world poverty seriously. Join with thousands of other young people in writing to Kevin Rudd, asking him to take action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and reduce poverty.
For more information on writing a letter head to the Micah Challenge website.
