A disaster is currently unfolding in Africa. Millions of people are in desperate need and yet we’re hearing very little about the death and suffering that is happening right now. It can be stopped if we only have the will to intervene and do something now.
Countries in East Africa, including the Horn of Africa, have again been struck by severe drought, affecting the lives of some 13 million people. Combined with massively inflated food prices, people’s access to food and water is in jeopardy. Conflict in Somalia is affecting communities’ access to food, water, health and education services.
Over many years Tim Costello has been the voice of social conscience for many Australians, having led debates on issues such as gambling, urban poverty, homelessness, reconciliation and substance abuse. He’s someone who takes the often talked about Aussie value of giving everyone a fair go and gives it a practical expression.
As CEO of World Vision Australia, Tim leads an organisation that with the support of more than 400 000 Australians, helps more than 20 million people every year. He joined me on my Morning Café radio program today on 98.5 Sonshine FM. You can hear our conversation by clicking the play button on the audio player at the bottom of this post.
I started by asking Tim why we haven’t heard more about this massive need. Have we become hardened to the plight of others or are there other reasons for the world’s lack of action?
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How do you teach a child to trust again when her own family has sold her into prostitution? How do you give hope to a child who has been forced to kill others, perhaps members of his own family, as a child soldier? How do you rescue a child who has been trafficked into slavery, exploited and abused?