African Religion

Religion is a very important part in an African's life. Each society in Africa has their own religious system with their own set of beliefs and practices. According to Professor Mbiti, all African cultures across the Nation are extremely religious regardless of national origin, language, or ethnicity. Most Africans are Christian or Muslim (Islam), however, traditional religions still play a huge role (Indigenous Religions). This includes Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism. There are also Islamic Religion, They practice their religion in their daily life style, with prayers of gratitude and prayers of supplication. The religions do have some similarities, though. They both believe in one God, ancestral spirits, and sacrificing.

The articles I received this information from was very interesting to me. I never knew exactly what kind of religions were practiced in Africa, and I now know a lot about it. These articles were very helpful, and straight forward with the information. Although, I cannot believe they still practice sacrifices to to ensure protection and generosity. In the picture I have posted below, it shows which religions are practiced in the certain countries of Africa. Most countries practice more than one religion.

To learn more about the different religions, click here. 

This website doesn't only just give facts about religions, but it also provides activities to do with the religions. Click here to check out the activities. 

SHARE Africa

In the year 1987, a very special program came to live that would change the lives of many African children. Dr. Martha M. MacGuffie and Dr. Renée M. Brilliant started SHARE, a not-for-profit organization that improves the quality of life for the children and adults of Africa. They help them through the devastations of AIDS and other life threatening diseases, as well as common poverty. They focus on the Kenya area, a region in need of extreme help due to the high abundance of AIDS, lack of health, and poverty. They also provide education, emergency medical services, nutrition information, and opportunities for woman to have jobs. This is a very exceptional program and everyone can help. Anyone can send in items to help such as notebooks, pencils, books, clothes, and toys. People can also donate money, offer their time, and sponsor a child with a certain annual donation.

I think this program is very helpful to the communities in need in Africa. This program has done so many things, and have changed so many lives. Children become happier each day when receiving anything from a pair of shoes to a soccer ball. Everyone has these things laying around their house that aren't useful anymore, and it should be sent to these children in need of happiness and acceptance. I love this program, and am definitely going to send things in that are in need there.

"Make a positive difference in the lives of African communities."

Click here to send items into SHARE Africa

Hunting Ban: Botswana, Africa

In South Africa, there is a country called Botswana. Since 2012, this country has had a ban against hunting for trophy animals. Trophy animals include lions, elephants and leopards. Although you may think this hunting ban is a good thing so the endangered species can live, the ban is actually a terrible thing for the African society. Since there are no hunters on the prowl for these trophies, the animals have been roaming into villages more than usual. Lions attack all livestock and elephants eat the farmer's gardens, leaving the villagers without food supply. In the village of Sankuyo, there were two lions killed by villagers because they wandered into residential areas. "When the hunting was introduced, we actually ended up killing less animals, that's the irony," said Dr. Child. In 2012 there were 4,361 conflicts with wild animals in 2012, and in 2014 there were 6,770. Poaching incidents also increased from 309 in 2012 to 323 in 2014.

Throughout the years, trophy hunting has helped Africa in so many ways. In the year 2010, Sankuyo earned approximately $600,000 from tourists hunting. Sankuyo earned this much from 120 animals which included 22 elephants, 55 impalas, and 9 buffalo. The tourists pay for their license, a place to stay, someone to drive them, and someone to take them hunting. This money ended up paying for outdoor toilets in 20 households and standpipes to be installed in courtyards. This allowed 40 families to have running water.

I always thought hunting these fascinating animals was a terrible thing. After reading this article, however, I feel differently about hunting "trophy" animals. These animals cause great danger and harm to the people of Africa, and to their environment. They may work extremely hard on growing a garden, to find out it has been destroyed by an elephant. Living in America, you are taught to appreciate these animals since they are endangered species; although the people are in more danger than the animals. The ban has more harm to the people in Africa, financially and physically.

Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/world/a-hunting-ban-saps-a-villages-livelihood.html?ref=africa&_r=0
http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/07/29/427451836/one-point-of-view-on-how-lions-can-earn-money-for-africa
http://safaritime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/elephant-trophy-hunting.jpg
http://www.thewildernessociety.com/uploads_media/lion_of_kalahari__media_1306713972.jpg