In most Western democracies, constitutions, etc. the right to and respect for life is embedded in the history of our forefathers. Every person has the right to life, to live in dignified conditions: food, clothing, shelter – basic human needs.

Indeed, on this score, Spain has been a reference for other nations, heading up the ranks of volunteers around the world, financing charitable and social organisations, renewing the broken spirit of the poor and destitute in many South American, Central American and even African countries.

However, for outsiders, the magnitude of social work that takes place in South America compared to the amount that occurs in Africa is simply astounding. Why haven’t European countries joined forces to lend a helping hand to their African neighbours?

For one thing, “these African countries” have next to nothing as far as personal wealth is concerned. They live in wretched conditions and many times in places where crime and tribal war are a daily presence. Social workers that have gone to Africa, always speak about the heart-wrenching living conditions.

Secondly, many of the so-called puppet governments that are set up by dominant tribes engage in genocide and mass killings. Ironically, they also tend to convey a positive image of their country abroad, escorting popular world leaders around to the cleanest and richest portions of their countries – hiding the destitute and poor regions from the eyes of the world.

And then there is Unicef. Unicef has been present in Africa for years and if anyone has any doubt as to their efficiency, just look at Africa today. Then there is the UN with their ‘oil for food program’ which turned out to be yet another political scam engineered by Koni Annan.

On the positive side, American multinationals and businesses are slowly trickling into the “safer” neighbourhoods of Africa – but this is only the beginning. In the wake of the world cup, we have to seize the moment.

Until the EU has the will to help Africa, Africa will still continue to be the second largest and second most populous continent of the world – poor in riches, rich in human spirit.

For more information about the African continent, check out the map of the 53 countries that comprise Africa .

Questions:

What do you know about Africa?

Have you ever travelled to Africa?

Why hasn’t Africa developed as fast as Europe?

Do you have any personal stories about Africa you care to share?

What can Europe do to change the state of poverty, crime and hunger that exists in many African countries?