camping would be boring in Africa

We went camping at Ross Lake on the August long weekend. It's a beautiful spot to go camping and we can't believe we've never been there before. Other than feeding a lot of mosquitoes (at least here they don't carry malaria), it was a great camping trip. We were thankful for being able to have campfires on the US-side campground while the fire ban was in effect at the BC campground just across the border!

Going to fill up our water jug at the tap to take back to our campsite, Talia (8) exclaimed, "Camping would be boring in Africa, wouldn't it? They have to do this every day." With that simple statement she captured the harsh reality for so many people living on the continent of Africa.

Women and girls, who are responsible for common household duties, walk an average of 6 kilometers to bring home water, which may or may not be clean. They often carry up to 20kg (44lbs) of water on their heads. In addition, these same women and girls are responsible for collecting firewood to cook the family meals. Living in communities where poverty has led to deforestation, these women and girls have to walk further to collect firewood, taking away time they could have spent in other activities to improve their lives, such as schooling or small business. And as firewood becomes more scarce, fuel prices increase, driving on the vicious cycle of poverty.

That's why a simple clay portable stove can have such an impact -- healthier families with greater opportunities!

The video gives a snapshot of the Monger family’s work with Fuel Efficient Stoves in Magozi in Tanzania.