It’s been eye-opening working for not-for-profits here in Mozambique. Eye-opening because you see an amazing world of politics and competitiveness worth billions of US dollars; eye-opening also because you begin to develop insights into what makes various forms of foreign aid effective or ineffective - ultimately both perspectives into the mixed nature of humanity's heart.
Unbeknownst to most donors in Western countries, handouts (giving food/cash/otherwise) to people in third world countries is HIGHLY ineffective. Invariably, once the handout runs out, people are still as poverty-stricken as before. Worse still, the residual curse of a mentality of getting freebies is left – where people stop working in preference for begging (from strangers or other members of family). In fact, I would argue that handouts from often-well-meaning Western countries is one of the reasons Africa’s poverty has been perpetuated.
Having understood this logically and economically, I must say, my heart has been hardened towards the numerous beggars I meet on the street. Easily I conclude that handouts will not help them for long; in fact, it will keep them asking for more handouts and potentially develop less income-generating skills. Thus, turning away from the many beggars (and craft peddlers) that roam the streets becomes second nature.
Honestly, I’ve become sick – hardened? - to the number of open “give me something for free” hands (imagine a cupped hand, palm facing up) that I see in the streets. Actually, what really gets me is when middle class Africans do it too – not with their hands, but with their speech; often asking for things from foreigners like me. “Can you buy me a laptop?” one asked me. “Can you shout me dinner?” another one would ask. In fact, this is part of the problem of doing not-for-profit work here: it’s hard to judge the motives of those that ask for loans or grants – do they actually intend to run a profitable business, or just run off with the money?
Giving out hot cross soup on an Easter weekend …
Every Easter Sunday (when I’m in Sydney, anyway!) youth from our church get up VERY EARLY to give out hot cross buns and tea to all manner of people at the Opera House. Well, seeing I couldn’t do that without spending thousands of dollars on air tickets, I decided to help the “Faith kitchen”. This is where we got this massive (1 metre diameter!) pot of meat, vegetables and pasta and served it with shima (this really bland flour-type Mozambican food - pictured below), serving about 80 homeless people for lunch.
I had the job of dishing out the stew to everyone. Two scoops. I looked all 70-80 of the people who came in the eye. Some were really thankful, and gave me a hug (though I can’t blame them – I am a lovable guy!); some felt too ashamed to look up, others annoyed at having to wait so long (I wasn’t the world’s greatest scooper, I admit!).
And then it hit me …
I then realized what I was doing, in some kind of weird, ironic, confusing way. In the innocent act of giving out soup at Easter, I was doing what I had decided through this trip was not good.
I was giving handouts to people.
This intrigued and confused me. What did that mean? Does that mean I shouldn’t have done that? Does that mean I shouldn’t give out Easter buns in Sydney? Or maybe just not to poor people? Or maybe only those not capable of getting meaningful work?! Maybe just old and disabled people, not others?
I have no idea what to think.
Blessings,
john
1 comment:
you give just bless them. regardless of background or 'apparent' need. everyone rich or poor, young or old is needy so who can judge anyhow. it's just that some seem more comfortable that nothers.
when you give thinking that it will sustain them is a problem, it's just like how we don't live on God's blessing alone. we need his strength, his mercy, forgiveness and truth every day. just like how these people need work, a place to work, means to work, people who believe in them and motivation. it's all very easy said i know.
but yes... does make you think.
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