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Algerian ActionOffering a little help to thoseliving in AlgeriaAlgerian Actionis a smallLondon-basedcharity that aimsat offering helpto those childrenand families livingin Algeria that areexperiencing theeffects of poverty.Unlike many other parts of Africa,Algeria is not a Third World country. Itis a developed (and fast-developing)one. As a country, it possesses vastnatural resources and is no doubt a wealthynation. High unemployment rates and alack of suitable housing, however, meanthat almost one quarter of the populationare currently living below the poverty lineand in inadequate conditions. These are thepeople that Algerian Action aspires to help.The charity was set up by Emma Waller fouryears ago, after she spent a holiday in Algiers.Initially, the charity only provided clothingand other essentials to new born babiesbut over time, as more and more familiesreceived aid, it was realised that it was reallythe older children of poor families who werein the direst need of assistance, as the babyclothes could be recycled and used againeach time an infant had outgrown them,whereas buying new clothes in increasinglybigger sizes was a true problem for familieswith very little income. With that in mind,the remit of Algerian Action was expandedto include babies as well as children aged0-16 years. Today, the charity still providesclothing to this age group, along withthe elderly who have no family support.They also offer assistance to those whocannot afford basic items of furniture oressential repairs to their homes, in additionto providing food to those in severe need.Algerian Action has a wide networkof supporters from all over the worldwith approximately 1,000 donationsbeing received every month. The charitycurrently has 20 volunteers based in theU.K. and Algeria who help collect anddistribute donations and generally helpto promote the work of Algerian Action.Everyone involved gives their time andskills freely and nobody receives paymentof any kind for the help they provide.In addition to the charity’s general workof providing essentials to those in need,a number of special projects are regularlyorganized, including this year’s Eid Appeal,which has just been launched. The charityis asking for donations of small toys, sweets,balloons - all the things that childrenlove! It is planned that a total of 500 giftparcels will be distributed to children inAlgiers at Eidu’l Fitr. These children willlargely be from poor families. However,Eid gifts will also be given to childrenin orphanages and to some in hospitals.Funding has recently been secured to starta new scheme later this year, which willprovide fresh fruit on a fortnightly basis tofamilies in dire need. Initially the project willcater for a limited number of families and willbe gradually expanded to include all thosewho receive assistance from Algerian Action.If you would like to support the work of AlgerianAction in any way, to donate, volunteer, tohelp spread the word, or if you know a childor family in need, please do get in touch.For further information visit www.algerianaction.co.uk