Who gives a damn about Zimbabwe’s children on Universal Children’s Day?
It’s been a long time since I had the energy to write a word, but today, the 20th November, is Universal Children’s Day.
And I shed a silent tear for Zimbabwe’s children.
That’s a day that will certainly not be marked with celebration in our blighted nation.
What voice do the children of Zimbabwe have? What future do they have to look forward to?
With over a million orphans here, Aids ravaging the nation and health care a thing of the past, who is tucking our lonely children to bed tonight?
With the lowest life expectancy in the world, how many of our youth will die tonight? How many babies will make it through the night tonight?
With schools collapsing, teachers paid a mere pittance, books, pens and paper unaffordable, school fees beyond the reach of so many, what bright light shines for our children?
With unemployment over the 80% mark, what future can our children look forward to?
With starvation stalking millions of Zimbabweans, how many little bellies are wracked with hunger tonight?
Who in the world gives a damn? Everyone knows this country is shattered. So is any country, government, aid organization or whatever going to zip into Zimbabwe and fix this fractured mess?
I think, absolutely not.
So what is going to happen? Is there a Zimbabwean solution to the chaos? Once I thought there was, but now I see no leadership arising, no individual or group equipped or willing to take on the fight.
My silent tears overwhelm me.
Still here, but not really here.
November 26th, 2006 22:13
I give a damn, but what would you have me do? British, based in the UK, lived in Zimbabwe 10 years ago…. what do I do?