"Stop Pitying Children In Africa"

That is the message that is coming from Mama Hope, a charity that is focused on "building self-sufficient communities in Sub-Saharan Africa".  When you think of an African child, what do you picture?  A baby with a bloated belly?  Ribs sticking out from starvation?  Flies crawling unnoticed on a baby boy or a baby girl?  That was the image that charitable organizations burned into our heads during the 80s and 90s.  Times have changed. I'll let Mama Hope explain:

"Too many non-profits ask for your pity by depicting poor, helpless Africans.  But like any stereotype, this portrayal has more exceptions than truth. 

Mama Hope feels it is time to re-humanize Africa and look to the positive change that is happening. We’ve had enough of the tragic impressions and abundance of sad, oppressive images that flood media outlets and non-profit campaigns. We want to make the statement that it is time to stop they pity and unlock the potential! 

Through a series of videos Mama Hope wants to show the light of the people we serve in Africa. We aspire to introduce our partner communities to you with the integrity and brilliance that we witness everyday. We want you to see the humor, courage, and potential of a wonderful people and continent. 

In these video’s we plan to feature the shared traits that make us all human—the dancing, the singing, the laughter and bring the compelling truth of their lives to your living room. We believe realistic, positive imagery can be very powerful and that it is time to move past the traditional images of weak and helpless people. 

This is a campaign to break the negative perception of Africa and build awareness of the simple fact that we are more similar than different." 

Their first video is of a charming and energetic 9 year old boy named Alex.  He lives in the town of Mvuleni, in Tanzania.  He loves Arnold Schwarzenegger, especially the movie 'Commando'.  When he was asked to tell the cameraman what happened in the movie, he went on for more than 15 minutes.  What you're about to see is about 3:20 of the main aspects of the plot:



I love this kid!  He doesn't need our pity.  Alex and his community need funds for food and water infrastructures, schools and educational materials, and health and medical services.  With that, Mvuleni would become a self-sustained community.

As you can see, Alex and his friends aren't starving.  Their bellies aren't bloated.  There aren't any flies on their face crawling around.  Alex doesn't want a handout.  He just wants to be a healthy, normal kid.  If you would like more information on donating to the Mama Hope Organization, click this link.  Thank you.