When the poor becomes empowered, critical thinkers

After almost a century of development efforts, it seems that little remains to be enhanced to effectively engage the poor in meaningful collaboration with nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and governments. Mobilization might even be deemed unnecessary now. Today, the poor are capable of taking independent action toward sustained improvement of their lives.

The years of the COVID-19 pandemic witnessed a notable number of globally signed memoranda of agreements between NGOs, governments, and poor communities. The significant funds allocated for various programs, including workshops, webinars, and field visits, underscore the commitment to these initiatives.

More importantly, the poor no longer perceive themselves as mere objects of development. They view themselves as active participants in their progress. This shift is a direct outcome of capacity-building initiatives attributable to NGOs. Unlike in the past, the economically and politically powerful can no longer dismiss the poor. Empowerment has made considerable headway.

In my interactions, I observed that the poor refrain from placing blame on others, including their predecessors and ancestors, for the hardships in their lives and the struggles to make ends meet. They view the daily battle to meet basic needs as a predetermined aspect of their past, present, and future. Interestingly, a belief in a Supreme Being who ultimately rights all wrongs persists regardless of religion. This presents an ironic contrast to nonsectarian and nonreligious NGOs, where the role of a divine entity is not factored into the development equation.

NGOs have tried out various development approaches (dole-out, welfare, participatory, rights-based, green, etc.), indicating an endless evolution in development practice. This journey aligns with the realization that the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030 may extend beyond its target period. A lamentable circumstance because poverty serves as the root cause of numerous social ills. It is propitious that NGOs have been around to mitigate the suffering of the poor, particularly in emergencies.

These insights have compelled NGOs and governments to ensure that their programs, projects, and policies are tailored to be accessible and beneficial to the poor. A concept inherently understood as “poor-friendly.” NGOs tackle the cultural intricacies of the poor, identifying factors that either facilitate or impede their development agenda. In legislation, governments often assess how potential laws will impact the poor before seeking approval.

Despite the above, genuine economic progress with social justice remains an elusive dream unless the poor become critical thinkers, not only empowered. It is imperative that they become discerning, analytical, and empowered decision-makers. In the real world, they must elect servant leaders. They can see through political manipulation and remain steadfast amidst economic adversity. Otherwise, the poor perpetuate the status quo with NGOs as mere mitigators of the suffering endured by them in normal and abnormal circumstances. Breaking the shackles of perpetual poverty continues to be no more than an aspiration.

Nono Felix