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These two children, looking so seriously into the camera, are Hellen, born 1995, and Wyclif born 1999. Since December 2005 they are sponsored by the combit team. Following Plan International Germany* we dont' have to worry about the serious expressions on their faces. A photo is a very serious thing there in Sambia – on the very few occasions that pictures are taken they make a real effort to express their dignity.
Hellen and Wyclif live in Sambia, one of the poorest countries in southern Africa:
- 10,4 millions inhabitants
(Gemany: 82 millions)
- Expectancy of life 42 years
(Germany: 78 years)
- Infant mortality 202 of 1000
(Germany: 5 of 1000)
- Per-capita income 320 US$
(Germany: 23 700 US$)
- 45% of the population are undernourished
- 21% of the adult population are HIV-infected
- The official language is English. At home both children speak their local language, Bemba.
(Source: Plan International Germany)
Hellen's and Wyclif's parents have both died. Fortunately Hellen and Wyclif are both part of extended families where grandmother resp. great-grandmother take care of them. Imbedded in rural village communities they live in small houses made of unfired mud bricks with straw roofs and without running water, lights or sanitation. Their families use open fires to cook their daily meals and their main fuel is wood the children collect. They get their water from a well in 2 km resp. 4 kilometers distance. If there were a medical emergency case, the family would have to travel about one day to get to the nearest hospital. Their families, like their friends and neighbours have very small income, and it is a struggle to be able to meet their basic needs. However, they have a rich social life.
* Learn more about Plan International Germany
Since 1937 Plan stands up successfully for children in great need. The political and confessional independent childrens' fund arranges sponsorships. Plan works in 45 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and in Albania. At present more than one million sponsored children are being supported. (Source: Plan International Germany)
We at combits think that the charitable work of Plan should be supported. We are happy that we do not only support a good thing but can take part in the progress of our sponsored children. This creates identification, is personal and bridges two totally different worlds.
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