Skip to main content

"Don't give them fish; teach them how to fish." Is that enough!


Every time we think about poverty, it's easy to see it from one perspective.


The most common worldview on poverty is "Don't give them fish; teach them how to fish."
As this is a great concept, we wrestle with how we need to think about it. Teaching them how to fish is a one-size-fits-all approach that works in one context but not all. It also needs to be fleshed out.

 We do not stand at one point globally and see the world differently; we actually see a different world. We see very differently when we see from the ground.

From where we recognize that:
a) There are very many systematic issues that contribute to what we call poverty. It's not just teaching them how to fish.

b) Fishing is done differently, and fishing is technologically supported.
c) We must listen actively to what the locals need and understand their unique perspectives.
d)Sometimes, there is no water available to fish. How do we bring water to them?

e)The community has to be part of the provided initiatives. They see way wider and broader than we see. We see fishing as a solution; sometimes, they think fishing isn't the solution. If they can't own the fishing, it remains a foreign concept.

d)When you teach them how to fish, and they get to fish, what do they do with the fish? You must think about systems that enable them to earn from their fishing. What markets are available? Who are the middlemen? Can you counter the middlemen, bring them to the market with an equal footing, and have them harvest the same benefits as the big shots. What if they bring their fish and compete with fish imported from other places that are way cheaper?

e) Let's say they get an income; how do they use it. Many will start to ask them to save!! So, how do you save when you haven't met your basic needs? Savings are set aside after one has met their basic needs. Not luxurious living but basic needs.


f) The issues affecting poverty are social, economic, environmental, and cultural dimensions. We must not be ignorant of the fact that their mindsets have to be ready to start fishing. Because it's not an easy task. 

A lot of people in poverty are not lazy; they work so hard, but systems are meant to keep them where they are. We must never equate poverty with laziness! No, we cannot. We must also not make people dependent on donor funding! No, we can't! We must think about the issues compassionately and find ways to engage.

In community development, seeing different worlds means appreciating the rich tapestry of human experience and understanding that solutions must be as diverse as the communities they serve. We must keep learning what it means for our society to deal with poverty.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Strengthening the Church, Transforming the Community: Our Ongoing Partnership with Apollos Training

  Strengthening the Church, Transforming the Community: Our Ongoing Partnership with Apollos Training Two years ago, we entered into a meaningful partnership with Apollos Training with a clear and urgent goal: to equip local pastors in our community, many of whom have had no formal pastoral training. In our context, we cannot separate the spiritual growth of the church from the holistic development of the community. While we continue to respond to physical and psychological needs as best as we can, we recognize that the deepest poverty is spiritual — a lack of connection with God. That’s why investing in the spiritual leaders of our community is foundational to the transformation we long to see. In our first year, we were amazed to gather over 200 church leaders who participated in training focused on the basics of discipleship. The impact was evident — pastors walked away encouraged, equipped, and eager to serve with renewed understanding. In January of this year, we launched ...
Post a Comment
Read more

A BRIGHT SPARK OF HOPE!!

Special Issue: From the Director's Desk.  When I took a team of five people at the beginning of 2024, I was simply doing what I love: bringing people alongside me . It’s almost the best way to tell the story of Shalom, because pictures alone don’t do us justice. This time, I want to share about Waswa (not his real name). After only a few days of Waswa’s involvement with the teachers at Shalom Care, I could see a bright spark of enthusiasm. But what came next was truly amazing. After our trip, he sent me a book that became a great encouragement for my work with the community. Here’s a portion of his letter: "‘Children of the Dust Bowl’ is a book I used to teach about the Great Depression of the 1930s. About halfway through the book, Leo Hart is introduced. He realizes that a large segment of his community is not receiving the education and healthcare they deserve. Instead of just complaining, he decides to do something about it. After our trip, I instantly saw you as a present...
Post a Comment
Read more

Vision for Dignity and Discipleship!!

  Reading and Sight, Renewed: A Glimpse into the Shalom Widow Care Receiving Reading Glasses and Training.  It’s a sobering reality that millions of people around the world have no access to basic eye care, and for many, it’s simply not seen as a priority. This is especially true for most of the community we serve, even the widows. Many have, for years, quietly lived with impaired vision, unable to read.  That’s why this week was so special. In partnership with Laurie @ https://apollostraining.org/ and Doreen E— and with the faithful support of Levina and our women leaders at Shalom Care — we were able to provide reading glasses to a group of widows. For some, I'm sure it was their first time ever seeing clearly. The joy on their faces as they read words they hadn’t seen in years — or ever—was unforgettable. Beyond the gift of sight, the day was also filled with training, fellowship, and encouragement. These gatherings remind us that God sees and cares deeply for the...
Post a Comment
Read more