There are situations where one just needs a little help from
someone else – just to get by.
I was born and raised in the Philippines Philippines
The kids and I, together with my cousin, developed a small
organization (SISBA) that helps the impoverished children in the Philippines US
In return, once in a few months, we ask the scholars and their
mothers to update us with the child’s academic achievements. Mothers play an
essential role since they are the ones responsible in motivating their children to
continue school, and do well in school.
We initially had a required grade point average. However,
with the poor environment that the child lives in, most of the times – just passing
a subject matter was a tough undertaking. So we just encouraged them to do
better in school and to try to pass the class.
This year, our good intentions were put to test – after 6 years,
the mothers seemed to have lost the discipline of sending their kids to school.
They had failed in providing feedback about the child’s progress in school. Although,
they still look for the scholarship money, their dedication to their responsibilities
seemed to dwindle.
And now, we are faced with a lot of questions:
Do we continue to
provide assistance?
There are other poor communities that can benefit from the scholarship
money. Do we abandon those who obviously need help?
What would you do?
This week, a few mothers through ONE.org are in Kenya visiting
health clinics, getting to know more about women entrepreneurs, meeting with
educators about early education and other programs that empower and encourages
women in Africa – the fight against global poverty and disease. Go check it
out, sign the petition to keep the funding, be aware and be involved.
That is a wonderful way of helping out the needy ones, but what a tough question you put out here...
ReplyDeleteI hope that you will find a way to get the answer you need. I know the need from there but truly, each of us must do our part when a blessing is being given. That requires us to be responsible or be personally accountable as we accept that blessing, whether it is a material or non-material things.
The "fish" is already there...But even those who hunt for fish work even a little to find it. Blessings.
I love that you started such an organization! So often people just feel bad about the state of things, but don't feel they have what it takes to make a difference. Having said that, and on to your question, perhaps you could set some goals or objectives for the current families and then if those goals and objectives aren't met, would it be possible or worth it to find other families in need who will take seriously the responsibilities that come with the rewards?
ReplyDelete@Rcubes, well put! Praying for guidance -- hopefully the mothers will realize their responsibilty.
ReplyDelete@Jessica, we're contemplating on what to do. We definitely can't reward those who don't seem to what to help themselves.