What Are Some Solutions to Poverty?
What are some solutions to poverty? The solution to poverty requires addressing its fundamental causes rather than merely treating its surface manifestations. Generational poverty breaks when people receive an education that, combined with values, establishes dignity and a sense of purpose. At GFA World, we recognize that knowledge and moral development, when combined, can lead to profound change. Through our work, we create lasting changes that impact people at every level of society.
Self-sufficiency requires families to receive actual tools that help them break their poverty cycle. The resources provided by GFA World include things like sewing machines, vocational training and livestock. Kanal, a father in Asia, experienced this firsthand.[3] After receiving a piglet from GFA World, he launched a small business rearing and selling pigs, which generated enough profits to pay for his children’s education and enable him to assist other families in his community. Practical tools, combined with determination, lead to hope and prosperity, according to Kanal’s life experience.
Our child sponsorship program goes beyond providing necessities to its participants. Through the program, children develop connections with others, and they learn valuable lessons about positive behavior. As a sponsored child, Ashima obtained a new opportunity to continue her education after facing difficulties in school.[4] This educational support, combined with the values instilled, helped her to develop the character traits she needed to succeed. Now, Ashima plans to serve her community as a doctor because she wants to support families who lack financial resources.
Education alone fails to eradicate poverty.[1] For deep and enduring transformation to occur, knowledge needs to be combined with values such as diligence, compassion and integrity. E.F. Schumacher explained in his book Small Is Beautiful that education should involve both knowledge transfer and value-based learning, which, together, enable people to create meaningful change in their lives and environment.
Bir, a young boy from South Asia, experienced the impact of this principle when he received his education.[2]
The son of poor parents, Bir, attended school, yet he failed to achieve academic success due to his socioeconomic situation. The young boy lacked the understanding and discipline of application and received low grades while showing almost no interest in his studies. His life changed after joining the GFA World Child Sponsorship Program. Through our program, students receive both educational help and instruction about respect, honesty and kindness. Thanks to these teachings, Bir found motivation to study harder and show respect for his parents. Bir graduated from 10th grade at the top of his class. He had become an outstanding student who could now look to continuing his studies at college.
Financial aid, combined with educational values and sustainable opportunities, will create an environment that helps poverty disappear. Through your support of GFA World initiatives, you empower people to overcome poverty and build stronger, more resilient communities. Together, we can create a future that provides everyone with the opportunity to succeed. We invite you to join our mission.
Learn more about breaking the spirit of poverty in Africa and Asia[1] Psarris, Emily. “Fighting global poverty with ideas.” GFA World. October 14, 2020. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/solutions-extreme-poverty-line-poor-impoverished/.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.