HOW many of us feel like life is all work and no play? Sadly for so many children like 16-year-old Goodson who I met in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa, they have very little chance to play and are often forced into back-breaking work to care for their younger brothers and sisters.
Goodson lost his parents to Aids.
He now looks after his two younger sisters, finding just enough money for their basic needs by selling tobacco leftovers.
We moan about all the washing and ironing we have to do, when a boy just eight hours away has to work for two days to buy a bar of soap to keep his clothes clean.
As a mum myself, the fact that children are forced to live like this fills me with shame and sadness.
By organising a fundraising event on September 28, for ActionAid's Child Poverty Day you can help to bring back playtime for children like Goodson.
Every penny raised from the events will be used by ActionAid to help transform the lives of children around the world.
To organise an event or to find out more call ActionAid on 01460 238000 or visit www.childpovertyday.org.
Readers who register by September 14 will receive a free fundraising pack full of great ideas and goodies to get started.
MELINDA MESSENGER.
TV presenter
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