Africa

 


 People from Africa face a range of problems often connected to poverty, not the least of which are AIDS, malnutrition, political and civil instability and substandard housing. According to the World Bank, 300 million Africans--nearly half the region's population--live in extreme poverty. Whether in rural Africa or the continent's urban centers, poor families struggle to meet the most basic survival needs, including a decent place to live.

	In much of rural Africa, thatch roofing not only requires regular maintenance, which takes time and money, but poses a fire hazard as families cook on open flames only a few feet below it.
	Insufficient doors lead to safety concerns, potentially compromising the security of the family and any possessions they may own.
	The absence of a permanent or raised floor leaves the house susceptible to flooding, winter drafts and rodents, opening the door to malaria and bites from snakes and rats.
	Unstable walls, which can be further weakened by soil erosion, invite insects through holes and are at risk of collapse.
	A lack of windows leaves substandard housing dark, posing a barrier to children's studies.