"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

Giving Honor to whom Honor is due! Tom Fjermadel Shalom Clinic

The Story of the Tom Fjermedal Clinic and Shalom Namutere Project The Shalom Namutere Project (Uganda) has been a beacon of hope in our community, addressing critical education, health, and development needs for nearly two decades. This progress has been made possible by the unwavering support of dedicated friends, churches, partnerships, and different groups to whom we are greatly indebted. In this issue, we highlight Tom Fjermedal, whose generosity has indelibly impacted countless lives. A Friendship That Sparked a Movement In 2006, while living and working in Norway with IFES Norway (Laget), the director of the Shalom Namutere Project met Tom Fjermedal. Tom’s kindness was evident from the start as he took on the role of a guide and friend, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience during the director's time in Norway. This friendship became the foundation for a partnership that would later impact an entire community in Uganda. Inspired by a vision to address pove...

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...

The Journey to Transform Education in Namutere

When we first noticed a few children in the community not attending school, we had no idea how deeply God would open our eyes to the greater need. Initially, our response was simple: to address the frequent non-attendance of children in the community. We asked ourselves, "Why, with free education provided by the government of Uganda, were so many children still not attending school?" Conversations with parents and guardians revealed the harsh reality: while tuition was free, families were required to provide uniforms and supplies—expenses many simply couldn’t afford. In response, we began partnering with a few needy families, supplying uniforms and educational materials to help the children access school. Mobilizing support from friends and family, we collected extra supplies and distributed them to these children. The Growing Realization Despite these efforts, it became evident that attending school wasn’t enough. Learning was not happening. Through evaluation, we discovere...

SHALOM NAMUTERE COMMUNITY PROJECT

Search This Blog