In perspective

While writing my final papers for this winter quarter I am constantly reminded of how lucky we are to be able to live the life we have. I just wanted to pass on a few statistics that may help put our lifestyles in perspective.

The Central African Republic

• 4.5 million people
• $700/per capita GDP (Haiti - $1,300 & U.S. -$46,400)
• Student teacher ratio 90: 1
• Life expectancy - 44.47 years
• Literacy - 48.6%
• 200,000 - Internally displaced people
• 6 out of 10 people live on less than $1.25/day
• Severe acute malnutrition is one of the top three nutrition-related causes of death in children under five.
  (CIA World Factbook)

Here are a few links on the CAR:

• http://hdptcar.net
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8555531.stm
• http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/media_50744.html

What can you do?

• Talk about it!
• Donate - purchase an inspired gift. Click here for details.
• Volunteer - Maybe you can't go to a country like the CAR, but there are many opportunities to work within our own communities. Here is one great example - SMART!