I Give Up My Birthday for Charity - Real Talk

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:01:04 GMT

By Loyce Gayo, Worthing High School

Loyce Gayo turned 17 Dec. 7.

In one of my favorite films, Kirikou et la souciére , Kirikou’s mother walked miles and miles and across scorching plains to get clean water. Such a journey is similar to one that many mothers in third word countries embark on. Although the lack of water might not be the doings of an evil sorceress, the curse plagues over one billion people just the same. Having grown up in a third world country, I have witnessed the struggle that people go through to get clean drinking water, life’s most basic and essential need. On many different occasions, I too have had to wake up early to carry buckets of water upon my head to supply for my household but in the greater scheme of things, my labor was nothing compared to what many children go through throughout across the country of Tanzania. In many villages across East Africa, many families have to get water from muddy swamps, rivers and pond that have been exposed to all kinds of germs. This water is prone to dangerous diseases like diarrhea, dehydration and sometimes death. The journey that kids have to take is time consuming and dangerous, especially for little girl who are often the ones who have to take on this laborious task. The time they spend making these long trips is one they could have spent taking better care of their families, or pursuing an education. The thought of struggling to get clean drinking water might seem surreal to many Americans who can simply open a faucet and get clean cold water or literarily walk into any fast food restaurant and get water free of charge. It is however, important that many Americans be aware that although a billion people today do not have the same access to clean water, this crisis can be solved. With the help of many generous donors, organizations like Global Water, Water.org, and charity:water , strive to bring people life’s most basic commodity. An organization called charity:water has challenged thousands to start different fundraising campaigns. Many have sold lemonade, many have held garage sales, ran marathons and even grown their beards to raise money for water projects across the world. This year, I join the thousands of people that have given up their birthday gifts in order to give families in Africa an opportunity to get clean safe water. Instead of stressing over making my 17 th birthday perfect by asking for overpriced presents, this year I celebrate life by giving others a gift that holds a much greater sentimental value- water. My peers thought I was crazy for letting an opportunity to receive presents pass me by but having grown up in a Third World country and having observed the struggle, this selfless deed seemed essential. Charity:water has created a simple way for all my friends and family to donate. With 24 days left to spare, I continue to encourage other to contribute so this water crisis can be resolved.

Insight

I Give Up My Birthday for Charity - Real Talk