Many people ask the question, how can I help Africa? Well according to Africare a leading nonprofit organization, specializing in aid to Africa there are a lot of ways people can help out. In the editorial & speeches section it states that there are 10 ways to help our fellow Africans out. 10 simple ways that you would not even think could help at all. A writer by the name of Julius E. Coles has spent most of his life working, and studying the African continent Primarily at the U.S Agency for international development. Mr. Coles states, that often he is approached by people here in the U.S. who want to help the people of Africa but who also feel overwhelmed. It may be the continent's vast size that intimidates, or the depth of some of its challenges, or the media reports that highlight Africa 's problems but minimize the progress that has been made. Also he states that everyday he at least someone asked him, "Can he really make a difference?" and he claims he says, "I always tell them, "you can."

    By Mr. Coles saying this thats when the 10 ways to help becme involved. You can do it either as an individual, a family, a member of a social or civic group, a small business, a church, a schoolas long as you can just do it. The ten ways are as followed

1. Read - The more you know about Africa, the better you can motivate others to help.
2. Teach, Learn- If you're a teacher, plan a lesson or special project about Africa. If you're a parent, look for a fun "African experience" your family can share. If you're a student, do a research paper on Africa or start an Africa Club with your friends.
3. Write- Voice your views and perspectives on Africa-related issues. Write a letter to your senator, member of congress, or state or local government official.
4. Speak- If you've traveled or worked in Africa, give a talk to a group you belong to. If you've never been to Africa, arrange for an African immigrant who lives in your community to speak.
5. Travel- If you have the means, visit Africa. Consider a group trip
6. See, hear-Attend a performance of African music or dance. Visit an African art museum.
7. Meet- Almost every city and many smaller communities in the United States are home to first-generation Africans.
8. Invest- You may be in a position to invest in an African business or to join a group of investors with African interests
9. Donate-Make a charitable donation to one of the many reputable organizations assisting Africa.
10. Share- Send this article to 10 people, and ask each to send it on to 10 more.

    There are many different ways you can help the people out over in Africa with out evening leaving your house. One way is by going to the numerous websites that help along that are trying to help with the problems occurring. Or either organization websites that that allow people to donate and they have projects that they are creating or doing to help with certain situations taking place there. Such as if people donate food and water supply to an organization, that organization may be making up baskets or just sending it over there as big packages or either if you are donating money all the money the people donate the organization might be planning to build something there. You never know what your money is doing, but everything counts.

    One website/ organization I found was The Hunger Site. This site is a free website that gives you free ways on how you can help. It states, " The staple food funded by clicks at The Hunger Site is paid for by site sponsors and distributed to those in need by Mercy Corps and America's Second Harvest. 100% of sponsor advertising fees goes to our charitable partners. Funds are split between these organizations and go to the aid of hungry people in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and North America." This website is actually helpful because you don't have to donate anything all you have to do is click and then a count is taken and food is given to the hungry. This website also gives you informational facts on ways to help.

    There are many other webistes that explain just like this website. You just have to look. and there are plenty of organizations. There are many ways to help the choice is yours. However I hope you make the right one by helping. I will post some more websites in later blogs.