Figuring out how to help alleviate the misery of the world can be daunting. Many Americans are overwhelmed by the monumental challenge that is the Third World’s poverty and misery. Where, many wonder, should one start?
I addressed that subject recently at a meeting of Humanists of Colorado. After my presentation, a questioner wanted to know why he should give his hard-earned money to anyone in Africa or elsewhere in the Third World if it’s likely to be stolen or wasted. After all, since its independence, more than $50 billion in foreign aid to Africa has gone to corrupt leaders – who have used it to buy arms or to build projects with neither relevance nor utility. Indeed, the track record of many groups and institutions in Africa has been dismal, making this oft-asked question valid.
I exhorted my audience to think small, to give to specific causes, individuals or locales. The charitable must concentrate not on masses of people but rather on individuals. If each of us can help one person or one family, the whole tribe or society will take care of itself.
I also provided them with some reliable nongovernmental organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Engineers Without Borders, UNICEF, etc.
As individuals, our engagement must be limited, yet with long-term commitment. For those better acquainted with the local situation in any country, I suggested supporting a school, a clinic, a church, orphanage, or small projects such as irrigation or tree planting.
But this commitment must be long-term. Far too often, Americans are involved in projects or people’s lives for short durations. They leave not because projects have been accomplished, but because they can’t sustain their enthusiasm.
I have watched the convulsive reaction of our communal conscience following earthquakes, floods, mudslides or other natural cataclysms. While the Asian tsunami of 2004 resulted in an unprecedented outpouring of generosity in America, our collective memory dimmed as soon as the TV pictures disappeared. But the need in devastated communities doesn’t go away just because we do not hear the anguished cries.
Warren Buffett’s decision to infuse more than $30 billion of his fortune into the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has brought my Humanist presentation back to focus. When asked on the PBS program “The Charlie Rose Show” if he wasn’t concerned about the corruption and misuse of aid money in Third World places, Bill Gates was confident that ways could be found to curb misuses.
The Gates Foundation is helping develop a malaria vaccine, and is fighting HIV/AIDS, TB and other, less exotic diseases such as the deadly viral infection Kalazar. Venturing into the Third World, Bill Gates said he expects complete transparency from everyone involved so that help can get to those who need it.
I have hoped that with Gates and Buffet as pioneers, many Americans will be encouraged to join them, or involve themselves in other charitable ventures in Africa. They can also join existing groups or individuals who have been toiling with limited resources.
None of us has the fortune of Gates and Buffet, but like the poor widow in the synagogue who offered her two mites, we each can make a difference in a child, family or village.
One man at the discussion suggested it was better to support a poor American child with nutrition, clothing and education. As is true of many who have good intentions, corruption in Africa and elsewhere is an excuse. Like them, he appeared to have no intention of supporting a local child, school or charitable organization. The charitable heart – of a Gates, a Buffett or one of us – finds ways to act, near and far.
Pius Kamau of Aurora is a thoracic and general surgeon. He was born and raised in Kenya and immigrated to the U.S. in 1971. His column appears on alternate Thursdays.
