by Jo Burns

Created on: March 08, 2010   Last Updated: March 12, 2010

Environment:, meaning surroundings, conditions of life and growth!

Living in Africa all my life has taught me one thing, that is a lack of decent education generally is the cause of so much. War brings so much crashing about our feet and unfortunately education is always the first to suffer! Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda are very typical of the conflict which reflects around the world. Intermixed with different cultures, laws and traditions it is a recipe for disaster, with disease and poverty rife, the poor are the first to suffer.

Surroundings, how can these be an issue when usage means more than protection of the surrounding areas, conditions have to be improved before growth can take place.

The elders of the world have always been our teachers from a young age, but with radio and television perhaps we are forgetting to listen. Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Rwanda have the most incredible environments to cherish and protect but who teaches them to protect it.

First world countries approach these countries, using their own values, trying to introduce their own objectives, which are often totally foreign to Africa. Conservation and protection are not values instilled in these countries from young mainly because all three countries were plentiful and up to now have not needed much in the way of environmental issues.

Give a fishing net and rape the rivers, seems to be the common attitude rather than, the old expression 'give a man a rod and teach him to fish'. All these countries had, to a certain extent, running water and electricity, what happened to maintenance?

Infrastructure should be looked at but with a close look into what impact it will have on the surrounding areas, controlling money donated which should go, towards rebuilding the countries not lining officials pockets.

Nepotism should be controlled within governments so people with an understanding of  conditions of life and growth can take command and regain these lovely countries to their former glory. Yes the environment can and should be cared about, but slowly and with care, education and understanding.

Yes the world should care about the environment in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Rwanda. Starting with the children, including the adults, promoting eduction and reasons why, not just pouring in money to be wasted and mismanaged.

Africa knows about today and has yet to learn what it is about tomorrow which is so important. Education brings with it understanding of smaller families, better resources (including hospitals and schools), to improve the people and their way of life and the environment around them.

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