Teah them how to fish & they will live a lifetime. How, anyone?
By Rainselle
@Rainbowliselle (498)
Philippines
September 10, 2010 11:34am CST
I do some charity works with my friends. We distribute slippers to the less-fortunate children who live in far-flung areas in our city. At times we distribute school bags and other school supplies. And when the fund is more than enough, we do some feeding programs too. What we are doing now is that we are just making them more dependent on the givers. In other words, we're just giving them fish to eat. So how can we teach them how to fish? Any idea as to how we can make them stand on their own feet?
2 responses
@annanina1975 (32)
• Philippines
14 Oct 10
I admired most people who are generous in giving their time and money to our less fortunate brothers and sisters.. Though I think giving them all of those simple things doesn't make them dependents because it's not really their source of day to day living, what you're giving them, of which, I hope you should continue.. But to answer your question, why not try on having cooperatives.. Like a store, a vegetable garden, sewing shop, food business or other vocational jobs.. I think they will be good at it.. Or other sources like fishing, and other small manufacturing business.. Like the ones that the Social Welfare are doing..
@Rainbowliselle (498)
• Philippines
15 Oct 10
Thanks for the enlightenment annanina1975 :). It would be nice to expand the charity my group has been doing but I guess, we'll just focus on just being the bridge of the donors to their recipients as things might get complicated if we'll aim for more... bigger organization, to the extent of already raising funds...etc. However, I will keep your suggestions in my memory bank to consider some other time :)
@TheAdvocate (2392)
• Philippines
11 Sep 10
I think you're starting the right way. You have to feed and clothe people first before you can teach them to fish. What I am saying is that while what you are doing is good, this can be better if you take it to the next level like teach them a skill. It depends on your resources, maybe you can coordinate with the local government to send someone over to teach people a new skill. How about teaching people to earn online? Just a thought.
As I said, you are going in the right direction. Don't stop and one day you will see a big difference. I hope that there are more people like you.
@Rainbowliselle (498)
• Philippines
11 Sep 10
Thanks for the push. I needed that. Actually my group doesn't raise fund. We just bridge the donors (who are mostly abroad-based friends) to the recipients. Ours is to inspire the less-fortunate kids and to instill in their minds that poverty shoud not be a hindrance for them from reaching their dream. But I was beginning to question myself if we are doing the right thing and probably we're just making them more dependent on groups like us. With the thoughts you just shared, the inspiration to be rays of sunshine to others has revived. Again, thank you for the push TheAdvocate. Will consider the ideas you have shared. :)
