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Jun 13
2010
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In 2008, I took a trip to northern Africa to visit my family. What I saw was heartbreaking. During my visit, I saw a child around the age of 10 driving a cab to support his family. I also saw sick orphans roaming the streets, plagued by disease and hunger.
I was deeply ashamed that it took a trip to Africa to realize the true state of countries in the developing world.
Every day, children in developing countries have insufficient access to clean and drinkable water. This devastating problem is the second largest worldwide killer of children under the age of 5.
So why do I care?
Because although the challenges we face are big, our dreams are bigger.
Because if a single person is helped it will be enough. Because as I sit writing this article a child somewhere far across this earth is hidden away, matted with dirt, overwhelmed with fear, alone, hungry, diseased, and no one cares. Because I know one day I will be standing next to that child extending a hand he or she might never otherwise receive.
Because if nothing is done now, poverty will never become history.
Because every 5 seconds a lonely child dies of hunger.
Because in the minute or so it takes to read this article 12 forgotten children will have already died.
I care.
Omar Saqr
Humanitarian Relief Lead