I have written before about the tendency of people, usually children, to ask the Azungu for money. I have written some posts about how frustrating I find this, about how sometimes it makes me angry. This anger stems from the pervasiveness of the phrase, from the reminder at the colour of my skin, but more accurately, it stems from my perceived inability to do anything about it. The problem is that I have money, certainly I have more money than many Malawians, and the need is apparent and at times striking. But I don’t think that giving 10 Kwatcha (about 10 cents) to a bunch of children will solve the problem. In fact, I think it exacerbates it!
A few weeks ago, I had an idea. I’m not one to let my frustration get the better of me, and never like it when it does. My idea is this: For every child that asks me for money, I will put aside 10 Kwatcha in a little (or big) jar. At the end of the year, I will give the accumulated sum to a local organization that deals with children and that I feel (from my observations, input from my colleagues and friends) does good work and that will make good use of that sum. Rather than just giving a random sum, the money means something to me and will hopefully help feed, shelter or clothes some children for a period of time.
I was out for a walk today to clear my head, and out of the bushes popped a boy who said: “Give me money!” I said no, but in my head, 10 MWK went into my piggy bank, and I carried on my way with a little smile.
Yep. Same thing here. And people, expats and Ethiopians alike, rail against begging, especially among children.
I agree with you.
B
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The same sort of thing applies in the states, too. Your money is going to go further if you donate $10 to a food bank than if you give $10 to someone who is begging, or even if you donate $10 worth of food from your pantry.
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