This little child from the Republic of Guinea dances happily every time the guitar is played and is probably blissfully unaware of the harsh future that awaits him. He probably has just over fifty years to live, is likely to grow up illiterate and will in all probability not have access to safe drinking water. And that's just if he's lucky.

If he's one of the unlucky Guinea children he will be abandoned at a young age, sold and put to work or even killed and have his body parts removed for medical purposes or even in sacrificial ceremonies for, today, after years of economic mismanagement and repressive rule, Guinea stands as one of the poorest countries in Africa.

Adult illiteracy is high, school enrolment poor and maternal mortality is amongst the highest in the world. In rural areas 35% of households do not have access to safe water supplies and life expectancy is around 57 years.

There are many charities you can contact to help a Guinea child, below are listed a few of them. Work undertaken includes supporting families, working with orphaned and homeless children, school projects and developing health care programs. They need your help to make a better future for the children of Guinea.

www.plan-uk.org
www.savethechildren.org
www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk