This month, my oldest daughter will turn 5. She will have a themed birthday party, receive presents & have the love and support of her family. Her life is glamorous in comparison to many 5-year-olds in South Sudan. July 9, 2016 marks the 5th Anniversary of South Sudan, the world’s youngest country. A country that is plagued by war and conflict. Many five-year-olds in South Sudan depend on the efforts of humanitarian workers, such as CARE workers, to survive.
Life in South Sudan
Let me share with you the story of a five-year-old named Nyahok. Her family doesn’t have enough money to send her to school.
South Sudan has the highest proportion of girls who aren’t in school in any country.
As much as my daughter craves learning and being around her peers, I can’t imagine this life for any five year old. There isn’t enough clean water where Nyahok lives, so she and other kids drink dirty, disease-laden water. We as Americans often take these little blessings for granted.
Children in South Sudan are 13 times more likely to die before their 5th birthday than American children.
Nyahok’s favorite game is mixing dirt with water and pretending she’s cooking food. With no crops or cattle, Nyahok’s mother feeds her a porridge of grains and wild leaves.
Watch this video to learn more.
What Can You Do To Help?
If you are looking to get involved in a humanitarian effort, CARE is the perfect organization for you! The best part about this organization is that 90% of money donated goes directly to program activities and CARE is a top-rated organization with Charity Watch. Donations of any amount will help these girls have a better chance at survival.
$150 can provide full nutritional support for a malnourished child. $70 can provide a family with a crop kit so they begin growing food again. For South Sudan’s 5th birthday, give its children hope for a better future. Our children are our future. The least thing we can do for them is helping them reach their full potential.
Thank you to CARE for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to help South Sudan!