Current statistics indicate that about a billion people live in precarious conditions in slum areas around the world. This translates to about a third of the urban population of the developing world, and this number is expected to triple by 2030 according to forecasting by global statistics agencies. Growing urbanization in developing countries, especially in Africa, is putting pressure on the provision of basic services and housing. This has been a major challenge to governments and cannot be simply ignored.
Young children, our next generation, are often encouraged to dream and aspire. The one common question that all of us have heard all through our childhood is, "What do you wish to become when you grow up?" If we imagine what this question means to those who are limited by their surroundings - those who are exposed to the harsh realities of life at a tender age, it brings into view how child upbringing affects their dreams. Being burdened by responsibilities at an age when they are supposed to be in schools, cared for by parents and teachers alike is something that calls for attention. Children from the street and those living in the slums also have dreams that they wish to attain. But, the question of reaching them seem distant and unattainable in the face of the harsh realities that they see while growing up. They dream, but not of buying houses and cars, or a marvelous exotic vacation. They dream of good clothing, or good food when they are hungry. And even if they dare to dream those dreams that many of us see, it will take them a lifetime of struggle to understand that the world is cruel and childhood dreams naive, that it takes more than will, sweat and luck.
But together we have an opportunity to bring a ray of hope in these dark and gloomy lives. What if we can avail food on their tables? What if we could be the reason for someone's priceless smile? Not because of a dollar, food item or an expensive dress that we donated someday. But because we gave them something more lasting. We taught them how to read, speak, or we taught him the difference between good and bad, you taught him how to make decisions.
"When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed." - Mother Teresa.
JPIM Ghetto Project reaches out to these less privileged population by visiting them and providing help where possible. With the resources from our donors and volunteers, we periodically visit these groups and help them as we seek to preserve the future generation, especially in Africa where countries are in developing phase. We trust that God will provide
Us with more resources so we can extend our help to as many less privileged people as possible. Together we can do it! Join our mission today.
