Society Debate : Is humanitarianism selective?

That’s ridiculous! Non-profit organizations that are out fooling people into believing that they don’t stand to gain a thing from their charity work just sounds like the biggest scam in history. The lives of so many people depend on these very organizations. If they are out discriminating against people then what hope do we have for those not lucky enough to have a proper roof over their head? I can’t fathom the prospect that Mother Theresa (God bless her soul) would be out hoping to gain anything from helping the disadvantaged. From when she was 10, her calling was to help, hard as it was, the ones who seemed to be besieged more with life. She submitted herself to a life not many would have a high regard for let alone give up their comfort for. On October 7, 1950, Mother Teresa received permission from the Holy See to start her own order, The Missionaries of Charity, whose primary task was to love and care for those persons nobody was prepared to look after. After all, somebody had to take care of them. And I’m certain it didn’t matter if they were black, white, blue, Catholic, Muslim or Hindu. Her work has been recognized and acclaimed throughout the world earning her a number of awards and distinctions, including the Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971) and the Nehru Prize for her promotion of international peace and understanding (1972). She also received the Balzan Prize (1979) and the Templeton and Magsaysay awards. It wouldn’t be fair to call such a selfless soul discerning. Rumor has it that whosoever benefits from these charity organizations, has to concede the help given to them through converting to the religion the personnel of the organization are most comfortable with. I don’t know if it is a certainty that ‘nothing comes for free’ because everyone seems to be mistrusting of another, often mistaking someone’s good intentions for a swindle. But how can they be blamed when funds meant for charity have sometimes ended up in the pockets of some of the people claiming to be humanitarians? Have we not read stories stemming from countries within Africa that government officials had swindled funds meant for the destitute? Scandalous as it was, that doesn’t mean people should lose faith in every person claiming to be here to help like our very own NGO’s that have been more than generous in saving the lives and giving homes and food to some of our underprivileged brothers and sisters. NGO’s like World Food Program (WHO) and USAID are known to have spread their support across Africa. From Lesotho to Ethiopia, every country that has needed assistance has been compensated in a way. The current crisis is Somalia is one that needs to be acted upon immediately and not only by the West but by fellow Africans. Let us show some kind of sisterhood and not wait to be spoon-fed all the time. Like they say, charity begins at home. rachelgaruka@yahoo.co.uk