African Equity, the life changing experience

Jessie Grewar

I have always had an interest in the third world countries such as Africa and being an average 14 year old I never really thought about how lucky I was. It wasn’t until I visited Kenya and experienced the ‘real life’ that I came to the realisation of how ‘easy’ I have it.

In the July holidays, along with 13 other people, I left the luxuries of home behind and travelled to Heroes of The Nation Orphanage in Kenya to spend time with the children who live there. I always thought of Africa as thousands of kilometres away, never really understanding the impact we Australians and the charity African Equity could have there.

The town of Nyharururu, where the Heroes of The Nation Orphanage is located has a population of over 230 000, many who live without the basics such as sanitation and free water access. Many of the children at Heroes of The Nation have been saved from a street life of absolute poverty to be given food, housing and education. Although the children are without parents and family it is obvious they never give up hope. They dream of becoming doctors, pilots and accountants just as we do and thank the lord for everything they have. Unlike us, they are grateful for everything. They never complain about the chick pea meals or 5cm thick mattresses and lack of blankets, they simply deal with the problems that they have to face.

I will never forget my experiences with African Equity, walking through the slums of Kenya to see children delighted to meet us and curious to know who we were. I watched little girls no older then myself carry newborns on their back and young boys labouring away for days just for a daily meal. Little things mean the world to these children, to receive a boiled lolly was like having Christmas come early. To compare these young lives with my own and others back home in Australia just didn’t seem fair.

After returning home to Australia I believe I have a different outlook on life. The simple things we take for granted such as a roof over our head, education and food are the things they pray for every day. It is hard to describe the emotion you experience and feel towards these people until you really experience it. I cannot emphasise how important it really is to make a difference to these children’s lives and it’s so simple. Sponsorship can change a child’s life and give them the future they really deserve. The things that we have no further use for are extremely valuable at Heroes of The Nation. Items such as textbooks, clothing and blankets are important and in great need. Donations of almost anything contribute beyond belief.

African Equity is a charity which is giving African communities a future. This organisation is making a great significance into bringing hope to Heroes of The Nation and so should we. You can make difference.