Africa and the Middle East

Homes are very expensive in this region. Many people cannot afford them, and the majority of families live in slums. They have little access to water, and disease and safety are concerns. Individuals have tried to escape their poor conditions in the countryside by moving to the cities. Unfortunately, they also face poverty in the cities.

Habitat for Humanity tries to address these housing issues. Since the government does little to assist its people, it is up to Habitat to make decent housing possible. Better housing would mean better jobs, security and less sickness in Africa and the Middle East. Housing issues must become a priority.

Uganda

What is your name? My name is Hope

Where are you from? I am from Masindi in Uganda, East Africa

What language do you speak? I speak Luganda and a little English

Are you a boy or girl? I am a girl

How old are you? I am 8 years old

What year are you in school? When I go to school I am in P1

What do you study at school? I study English, Math, Science and History

What religion are you? I am Anglican

What is your favorite… What do you like to do? I like to help my aunt take care of my sister and my nieces and nephews.

What does your house look like? I live in a mud hut with a dirt floor.

Who lives with you? I live with my aunt, her husband, their four children and my younger sister because my parents died of AIDS

What do you do on an average day? I go for water at the well 4 km away, I help my aunt with cooking, digging in the garden, taking care of the children, sweep the hut and compound, washing clothes and I go for water in the evening. If I am lucky and my aunt can spare me, I go to school from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday mornings, but I don’t get to go to school very much.