Yesterday was one of those days when we see history being made before us. Live8 was both entertaining and moving for me. It made me think a great deal about my trip to The Gambia a couple of years ago. I witnessed the poverty first hand, saw things that changed the way I viewed the world, and experienced things that I promised myself would change the way I act.
The Gambia is a beautiful place. In comparison to us they are desperately poor. I will never forget the children in the slums of Bakau, tugging on my shirt begging, not for money, or food, or clothing, but for water. Something so basic as that. Our guide had told us not to give them any, no matter how tempting, as it would cause a rush on the children that had it and that ultimately it would cause more harm. I remember being told not to be fooled by the fact that people wore western clothing, football shirts and the like. That it was all from charity. We were fortunate enough to be shown the real country whilst there, taken away from the tourist traps and into the real towns and schools. To meet the real people in their homes and therefore gained a far greater understanding of what it was really like to live this day to day. It was desperate, bleak and heartbreaking.
The Gambia, by comparison to other African countries is relatively well off. They have a good tourist trade, the government tend to turn a blind eye to certain 'commodities' that they trade from the coastal areas and many charities have good set ups, so aid infiltrates easily. I dont claim to know a lot about about the politics of the country, I can only comment on what I saw.
The thought of how life must be in the other places is unimaginable to me.
Everyone I met there was so welcoming, I have never seen such huge smiles and so many outstretched arms. The celebration on the beach at Jinack still makes my heart jump. At the risk of sounding cliche, we were humbled by the detirmination and passion of the people we met. Our visit to the Government's Department of Education was a very special feeling, but was belittled by the village elder who took my hand, patted it and just nodded.
I am aware that this entry will appear to some cynics as jumping on the proverbial bandwagon. But to those I remind you, that I have been and seen this. In one of the places where charity works and is getting through. I urge you all to join the campaign if you have not already. To get behind the current drive. I can't make Edinburgh on Wednesday. I wish I could. I can't make a return trip to Jinack. I wish I could.
Make Poverty History
