Group+5.4

=**Africa Country Research**= Storyboard Bibliography


 * Name of country || Republic of Congo ||
 * Population size || 3,800,000 ||
 * Per capita GDP || $700 ||
 * Main exports || Petrol, timber ||
 * Main imports || Capital equipment, food ||
 * Resources || Petroleum, timber, uranium, copper, lead ||
 * Main ethnic groups || Kongo, Sangha, Teke, M'Bochi ||
 * Primary religions || Christianity, Indigenous ||
 * Unemployment rate || 52% between the ages of 15-24 ||
 * Infant mortality rate || 79 out of 1000 ||
 * Life expectancy || 55 years ||
 * Literacy rate || 74% in people 15+ ||
 * Human Development Index (HDI) || 49%. This number is relatively low, considering it means the level of development in the country. ||

The Republic of Congo is in need of economic help, considering its high unemployment rate and per capita GDP. This could be easily aided by people giving their time to help make jobs, like making oil digging jobs, as well as giving mining jobs, which will put the community to work. The country could also use medicine help, because of its low life expectancy.

1. How long has the organization been in existence?

Mercy Corps was founded in 1979.

2. Who founded it?

It was founded by Dan O'Neill, and the CEO is Neal Keny-Guyer.

3. Where is it headquartered?

Mercy Corps is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

4. What is its purpose?

To help all people in suffering or poverty by building secure communities.

5. Does it provide assistance just to Africa, or is it active around the world?

It provides help to all places in the world, like the Middle East, Asia, and anywhere in need.

6. Which problem(s) is it addressing in Africa?

Poverty, sickness, and job loss.

7. Does it provide assistance to just one or several countries in Africa?

Several countries, including the Republic of Congo, Niger, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

8. How does the organization raise money for its efforts?

The organization mainly earns money through donations, but it has fund-raisers as well.

9. What is your organization's budget?

Around 98 million dollars, thought it varies.

10. How much of the money it collects for Africa is used for overhead (expenses)?

89% of all money earned goes toward its efforts in helping countries, so 11% goes toward expenses.

11. Have the reviews of your organization's efforts been favorable or critical, i.e., what kind of a "report card" has it been getting?

The reviews have been highly favorable, and the organization has received a large amount of donors.

12. How would you rate your organization's efforts? Has it done "a good job?"

I think it has, because it has helped tons of countries in building up themselves and giving aid.

13. Do you think donating money to your organization is worthwhile?

I think donating to this organization is certainly worthwhile, as instead of just giving help, it teaches the communities it helps to give themselves help.