Today over 2 billion people suffer from daily hunger and poverty. Yet there is no master plan to eradicate such suffering, despite the fact the worlds has enough food and money to end world poverty and hunger now.
People, who are concerned and worried about such failure in the human condition, should start to speak out as a first step. We should start to transmit the message that “In a world of plenty, hunger and poverty is a crime against humanity”.
Over 2 billion people live in abject poverty without clean water to drink, substandard nutrition and woefully inadequate medical care, whilst the wealthy communities of the world are getting richer and consume an ever increasing amount of food and energy.
What can you do to help end Poverty and Hunger?
Start to make donations or invest in charities or social business organisations that tackle poverty and hunger at grass roots via food and medical aid or provide
micro- finance to the poorest section of disadvantaged communities.
Devote your labour and expertise as a volunteer, a few hours weekly or a set period annually. Get involved on a permanent long term basis. Poverty reduction requires a sustained long term effort.
Lobby your government and international organisations to change the unfair trade rules which create poverty by denying the less developed nations access to the large lucrative markets of the rich western nations. It is essential that we allow “the poor communities” access to world markets. It is a proven fact that trade can help the poor to escape poverty with dignity and pride.
Start trading with the poor by buying their goods and services. If you trade directly with the poor they get the maximum benefit, or you can buy via others who are known for giving a fair price to the poor for their goods and services. Donate or sell at cost or at a reduced price items needed by the poor. Sell any items you do not need and remit the cash raised to organisations who are tackling poverty at grass roots.
Whatever you can do to help, please get involved. The option to be just a spectator via your TV screen etc. is there but not very humane. If you want to help to change the world then you must start by “changing yourself first”.
Act now - Fulfill your Social Responsibility.
S. Azam
Sunday 26th February 2012
