When some first picture Africa, they tend to think of a continent plagued with poverty and corruption, or a barren wasteland filled with starving citizens. Much of western media coverage surrounding Africa tends to focus on negative attributes or problems. Despite the existence of modern life and developed cities with running water and electricity in Africa, stories that depict a continent in ruins are run in favor of those involving solutions or uplifting articles that depict African citizens in a positive light.

We are all searching for something.

Some of us spend countless hours working for a company, only to never be recognized as more than just another worker. Others of us continue to go through our day to day routine hoping that eventually something will change that will give our life a new found purpose. There are even some of us who have realized that life is more than just taking it easy and watching countless seasons of our favorite shows on Netflix.
 

If you live in a country where going to school and getting an education is a normal, expected part of life, you are considered fortunate. Each year, in Africa, about 42 million school-aged children don’t have the opportunity to receive an education.

Imagine, for a moment, living in a country where malaria was prevalent, and let yourself experience how it would feel to watch your child suffer and die from this preventable disease. It’s scary and upsetting, isn’t it?

It’s universal. A human being must do things he enjoys to be happy. I enjoy reading and make time for it every day. Today I read articles about some of the richest people on earth. Some of them find happiness in using their good fortune to help others.

Only someone with the resources of a Bill Gates or a Warren Buffet could help African children on a large scope. One example is ‘The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls’ in Gauteng province.

I often wish it was possible for me to help on a large scale. My small donation cannot impact such a gigantic situation of poverty and hunger. Yet, it does affect one child or one family. Do you ever wish you could do something to help alleviate the food shortages and hopelessness that exists in many rural African villages?

Despite Africa’s beautiful sunsets and landscapes, many Africans are depressed. Depression is feeling of despondency and is a hurtful factor for the development of countries. Economic prosperity is good, but pointless with out happiness. Sadly, depression is wide spread throughout the world, but seems to be centralized around Africa. Happiness levels can affect ambitions, virtues, and health. Love and happiness is what people live for and to see it stolen from war, greed and ignorance is truly despairing.  

President Nkurunziza is Not Burundi’s Only Problem

Megan Foster

    Africa is the destination for people to visit the pyramids, go on safaris and to volunteer, but Africa is also a huge destination for poachers. Animal poaching is the illegal act of hunting, killing and, capturing animals. It is another example of greed over gratitude and this cruel act violates animal rights. Poaching isn’t a new issue and needs more attention. Why do people become poachers? What economic effects does it have? How big of a problem is it and how can we stop it?

Shot blocker extraordinaire Dikembe Mutombo was elected to the National Basketball Association Hall of Fame on April 6. He will be enshrined on September 11, 2015 in Springfield, MA.