Becoming a World Vision Ambassador.
Two weeks ago I was chosen to be one of ten Australian Blogging Ambassadors for World Vision. The reason for this post is that something big is happening in West Africa right now and it’s not GOOD big.
Here’s the deal:
There is a Food Crisis in West Africa happening right now. Lots of bad things have all happened at once: across the West Africa region, underdevelopment, conflict over resources, instability, forced migration, poverty, locust attacks and climate change intersect to create an environment affecting millions. This current food crisis has hit communities extremely hard because they are already vulnerable and have few coping mechanisms. Niger is the most affected country, with 5.5 million people facing food shortage risks due to a disastrous harvest season. The more vulnerable communities in Mali, Chad, Senegal and Mauritania are also feeling the effect of the food crisis.
What is World Vision’s response to the food crisis?
World Vision, in partnership with the UN’s World Food Programme, is providing food to affected communities as part of its immediate response. Medium-to-long term responses in place include Disaster Risk Reduction programs such as vegetable gardening, cereal banking and community-based malnutrition programs.
For example, in Niger, village granary banks are being replenished, malnourished children are being treated, and vegetable gardens and borehole drilling are being supported. In Mali, children under the age of five are given additional health support, and food-for-work programs are under way.
World Vision aims to assist 1.1 million people in Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Chad and Senegal.
Here are some ways to help – go here and sponsor a child or simply donate money to the West Africa Crisis.
If you have a store, a product, or blog, I’m creating a Mother’s Day Feature to help raise funds for the great work World Vision are doing.
