Ending Extreme Poverty in the Congo

We Are The World

We are the world, We are the children
We are the ones who make a brghter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me


Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie; Produced by Quincy Jones
United Support of Artists (U.S.A.) for Africa, 1985

A Time to Remember the Past

Today, two giants in the US entertainment industry died. Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson will be missed. I will forever remember them.

As I was going to the Kinshasa Airport, we passed the soccer stadium. I remembered the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ramble in the Jungle. Ali beat Frazier in that stadium. Congolese still remember that great sporting event.

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Safe, Clean Water But Very Far Away

You can find safe, clean drinking water in Bulape.  But it is very far away from the village. 

It takes takes about an half hour or more to make the trip down to this improved water source.  And of course, it takes a longer time to make the trip back up to the village.

Mostly young girls carry the water to their homes for use.  Some girls skip school to carry water back and forth to their homes.

Improved water sources are needed closer to the village.  Drilling a water well is the only solution to have a closer improved water sources.

The Differences between a Congolese Airport and an American Airport

The Differences:

1. You have an absence of Government Customs employees. You have to clear customs at every airport.

2. You see only 1-2 active planes at anytime on the tarmac. Most airports receive on-the-average five flights a week.

3. You see more Congolese workers at the airport than the number of flying customers.

4. You can hear the PA system clearly and loudly here.

5. All passengers climb roll-away stairs even for a large trans-continental European Airbus.

6. You can take pictures.

Your Bonus!

The same: People talking on cell phones. People with too many carry-on bags.

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