Children are a precious human resource and it is in children that any country has its future. As the saying goes, ‘A forest without young trees today will never be a forest tomorrow’. It is imperative that children born today in Malawi must survive, grow and develop to their fullest potential in order for her to prosper as a nation, but right now unacceptable levels of poverty, food insecurity, abuse and deprivation are causing untold suffering to the children of Malawi. Those with the knowledge to help, such as the trained nurses and doctors, are leaving in droves to make more money in Europe. We in the West must call a halt to this trend.

There is, unquestionably, a long way to go before Malawi’s children enjoy a childhood free from labour, toil and abuse. In the meantime it is salutary to remember that most of these children and people do find a way to survive the difficult circumstances in which they find themselves. They may be uncomfortable reminders of the society’s inability to look after its own, but they nonetheless bear witness to the endurance and potential of the human spirit.

GOAL’s work in Malawi may seem like a drop in the ocean, but we are committed to the poorest of the poor and we’re in this for the long-haul.

GOAL’s work in Malawi, and in the ten other developing countries we operate in, including the Sudan’s war-torn Darfur province and the Horn of Africa, where chronic drought and food shortages prevent development, is dependant on the support of the Irish public. On behalf of my colleagues here in GOAL, and the poorest of the poor throughout the developing world, I would like to express my gratitude for your generosity, not just over the past year but throughout GOAL’s 30 years of operation. GOAL prides itself on the fact that throughout its 30 year history our administration costs have never exceeded five per cent, maximising the amount of money that goes directly to the field, and to the poorest of the poor. Rest assured that if you can give it, GOAL will get it there.

Can we put this in a separate box – colour backgroud

Meeting our GOALs

GOAL are having a 30th anniversary GOAL Ball in The Clayton Hotel, Galway on Friday 5 October and a sponsored swim ‘A Metre to A Mile’ in Joe Cosgroves Kingfisher Club on Friday 16 November to help or support GOAL. Phone 091-587901 or 01-2809779, or send what you can to GOAL, Unit 13, Enterprise Centre, Westside, Galway. Because the needs of the poor are ongoing, the ideal way of supporting GOAL is by setting up a monthly standing order with your bank.

Alternatively, if you have a relevant skill and would consider giving at least a year of your life to us, GOAL is always looking for skilled professional to join our GOALie team. For details, contact GOAL’s personnel department on 01-2809779 or see www.GOAL.ie for details of current vacancies.

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