A story of lifting African children out of poverty – Rochester Beacon
A story of lifting African children out of poverty Rochester Beacon
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Barry Childs: Eradicating Poverty through Sustainable Development
Barry Childs believes that poverty is not an inevitable condition, but a problem created by humans that can be solved by humans. He argues that eradicating poverty is not an act of charity, but an act of justice. Childs, a native of Tanzania, has dedicated nearly 25 years to addressing extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. He is the founder of Africa Bridge, a sustainable and cooperative agricultural model aimed at transforming rural villages.
A Proven Model for Ethical Development
Childs emphasizes that the work of Africa Bridge is not mere charity, but a community-led model that has the potential to redefine ethical development in Africa. The organization focuses on empowering communities to lift themselves out of poverty through sustainable initiatives.
Book Publication: “And the Children Shall Lead Us”
Childs has recently published a book titled “And the Children Shall Lead Us” in collaboration with Philip Whiteley, a British business journalist and novelist. The book, released on April 8 by Breakthrough Book Collective, tells the story of Africa Bridge and shares its transformative model. Childs describes the book as a journey back to his childhood and its impact on him.
The Impact of Africa Bridge
Africa Bridge, since its establishment in 2000, has enabled over 10,000 children to escape extreme poverty and has improved the economic prospects of more than 70,000 individuals across nearly 40 villages. The organization focuses on facilitating the transition from subsistence agriculture to a sustainable and entrepreneurial economy. Childs emphasizes that Africa Bridge does not provide handouts but instead empowers villagers to lift themselves out of poverty.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Africa Bridge’s work has been praised by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who commended the organization for its efforts in supporting children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and their families in Tanzania. Childs hopes that his book will not only reach a general readership but also attract interest from foundations, community development professionals, academics, and high net worth individuals interested in innovative approaches to poverty alleviation.
Childs’ book is available in digital and paperback editions on various platforms, including Amazon, Kobo, Ingram, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble. Book signing events are planned in Rochester and other cities, including Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Interview with Barry Childs
ROCHESTER BEACON: Why did you decide to write the book?
BARRY CHILDS: Ten years ago, I started writing a book about my childhood experiences in Tanzania after my grandson asked me to share stories. As I wrote, I realized that the concept of Africa Bridge was deeply rooted in these experiences. The more I wrote, the more I understood that Africa Bridge was a culmination of my life’s experiences, including my childhood, family, education, and business. During this process, I decided to write two books. The first book focuses on Africa Bridge, describing its origins, the model for poverty alleviation, and its impact on vulnerable children and their families. The second book will center on my adventures in every aspect of my life. The second book is primarily for my family and may or may not be published.
ROCHESTER BEACON: What is the significance of the title “And the Children Shall Lead Us”?
CHILDS: The seed for Africa Bridge was planted when I was six years old after encountering an orphan child. However, this seed remained dormant for 50 years until I returned to Tanzania in 1998, 35 years after leaving. During that visit, I wondered about the fate of the children I used to play with. At the age of 55,
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
- SDG 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
- SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
- SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
- SDG 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of people living in extreme poverty
- Access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food
- Proportion of women in leadership positions
- Number of decent jobs created
- Income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population
- Existence and effectiveness of partnerships
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | SDG 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere. | Number of people living in extreme poverty |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round. | Access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | Proportion of women in leadership positions |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. | Number of decent jobs created |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population at a rate higher than the national average. | Income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | Existence and effectiveness of partnerships |
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Source: rochesterbeacon.com
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