Charity Giving: experience or just view point:
Sometimes it feels like every time you turn to any kind of news, there is some kind of cause deserving or begging for our attention to give! Some are ongoing, and some just seem to erupt, some appear small some so drastic and desperate, some so vivid and graphic, as least in the medium we are led to see or by testimony of witness accounts….
Is there the right cause, the just cause or the urgent cause?
Sometimes it feels everyone is asking for something of us, some as though by right, some as though by obligation or some as though the cause justifies imminent duty of action….
Who gives? Those who have ‘enough’ to spare’, those who have ‘too much’ that they can spare, those who sacrifice what they have, those who have not yet given,
Sometimes we are made to wonder what you can possibly give that would make the difference if at all, is the actual need met of whom we are required to meet? You wonder of the giver, the administrator or facilitator in the middle, and the situation of the receiver, You wonder if you are just giving to perpetuate the need or cause, just giving ‘fish on the plate’ and they will never learn how to fish for them selves, sometimes our side is greedy for requiring return or their side corrupt for squandering irrespective
So what means of giving? cash, material things, time, skills…
Sometimes we wonder, do they appreciate?, will they do likewise?, will the example compel others? will some kind of balance in resources be anticipated or is the trickle down be a necessary aim,
What is in it for the giver? Can giving be a kind of saving, an investment or just a spend? Is this ‘storing where moths cannot rob..?
So they say ‘teach them how to fish, and they will feed themselves for ever…’
So you know they will need teachers, tools of fishing, organisation, basic education and skilling for insight to the right ponds…
Down to it a bit of all is really needed, cash and that cash cannot necessarily buy or guarantee simply what ever is available…
Charles Okwalinga.
Mercyline Africa Trust International
