Project Concern International (PCI)

Trial and Hope in Africa

Kamren Charpentier

Africa faces the greatest challenges of our time. A chaotic scene of deathly diseases, poverty, starvation, and war – Africa’s issues collide into a mix of desperation and despair. Each day in Africa is a true duel between hope and anguish – a battle of survival for so many it cannot be ignored, even if tried.

Yet amidst these constant struggles, there remains among Africans the greatest hope, warmth, and inspiration. In the past century we have seen some of the greatest world leaders, visionaries, and Nobel Laureates emerge from this vast continent. Africans are a people who do not beg for charity, but for empowerment; who do not cry for sorrow, but for hope; and who do want our pity, but need our support. It is in the nation’s determination that we find the greatest opportunity, hope, and ability to help restore what was once the world’s greatest civilization.

Diseases such as malaria take the lives of over 3,000 children a day in Africa. Combined with HIV/AIDS, the death toll of children, men and women rises to a staggering 3.5 million people each year. Starvation leads orphaned children to the streets to find work and food; poverty diminishes the means for education or medical services; and disease leaves many bed-ridden and debilitated with no way to make a living. When adding into the equation corrupt government and military officials, natural disasters such as drought in Ethiopia, or the genocidal war of Darfur the outcome is devastating.

The cycle of poverty and disease circulating throughout Africa is vicious. There is not one answer to these complicated problems – they require holistic, integrated solutions that lift people out of poverty and provide the access and means to health care, education and economic empowerment.

Project Concern International is working to address these issues and break the unbalanced cycle of poverty. The organization is providing access to health care for victims of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria; nutritional food, education and support programs of orphans and vulnerable children; economic development opportunities for women; and community mobilization that create strong volunteer efforts.

It is only with great conviction, unfounded dedication and unlimited vision that true change can occur. But, change does not happen overnight, it does not strike like a lighting bolt, it takes perseverance and the will to work untiringly day in and day out. It takes leaders and movement, it takes belief, and most importantly it takes each and every one of us.