After hearing that I have been in Africa of of the first responses I get is ”Yeah, I hear they are dirt poor there”. Well there is dirt and people who are poor, but we have to be careful not to superimpose our societal version of “poor” on to their culture. They may not have all the material things that we have to consider ourselves “normal” or middle class in North America, yet I visited a few successful farms that were lacking for nothing they needed to survive and even thrive. Yes they still lived in mud huts and probably could use more garden tools or cooking utensils, but their immediate needs were not seriously lacking- in contrast to some of the villages where it was obvious they were. I have begun to rethink and define poverty as not being able to meet your own basic needs to live a healthy rewarding life with your family. By this standard many in Zambia are succeeding- especially with a child or two that are sponsored. The problem is that way, way to many are not, and are having trouble breaking the poverty cycle between generations because of the lack of education and agricultural training. This is what World Vision has become very good at. Breaking the cycle and moving families forward.
So consider rethinking poverty- and realize how rich we really are here in North America. Sponsorship does not just throw some money at the so called “dirt poor”, but actually attempts to break the poverty cycle so they don’t need help, but can thrive on their own- even helping out their neighbors.
In so many ways, they are rich and North America is poor. I told Eustance the last day, Africa has so much to teach Canada: about priorities, about generosity, about faith.
I agree with Christy, in comparison there are many ways where we are the poor ones (ways that matter). One of the biggest things Les & I took away from our trip to Paris (which I’m certainly not trying to compare with Zambia) was that we don’t need many of the things that we are pre-conditioned in NA to think we need. In Paris, most live in small apartments, no one has a yard or a lawn…but therein lies the gem…with less of this to have to pay for and take care of, there is more time and resources to put into relationships, local markets etc. The parks were thriving and families DID things together (not just watched others on TV). So many NA’s assume that the way we do things is the best way…I don’t think so anymore for many reasons:
Well said Colin. There are so many definitions of poverty, but really it is a self-defined concept. What do each of us consider poor? I think we are far to quick to perceive others as poor without asking them their understanding of it.
There are always two sides to the story. We may be rich monetarily, but how about in community? We may have social services when in need, but how much freedom do we have?
I think that is also what World Vision is good at. Asking people what it is they feel that they need in order to strengthen their lives, instead of assuming they know the answer. They realize there is not one answer, and are flexible in the responses. As you said, this is how they are able to break the cycle, and truly help those most in need.
Thank you for bringing light to this topic!
Thanks for the comments. I never know if anyone gets what I am writing or not- so its nice to hear from people when they do. There is indeed always two perspectives