The months is
gradually coming to an end and as we all know workers are less friendly with
money during this time, for you’ve spent all money with you or you are managing
the little cash left. It was a situation as the one I just described. I was
really down on cash and I was been given a Thousand naira note by a colleague
of mine I begged for transport. I had spent part of the money and thinking of
using the remainder for transport the next morning to the office. On my way
home, I met a heavily pregnant woman with three kids in her lap begging for
alms. From my calculations, she should be in her early 20s or even less. I felt
very bad for her thinking of how she is coping with such number of children and
what manner of man impregnated her four consecutive times without thinking of
taking care of his responsibilities. The most annoying thing is that, looking
at the children they are just a bit older than themselves and the youngest of
them all is still a baby still been breast fed. I did not think twice before I
had to part with my money and have to walk half the way home.
On another day, I
had to part with the last cash on me but later realized that the beggar I took
pity on had more than I could give. For he has been getting money from
unsuspecting passerby who took pity on him. I was disappointed to meet him on
my way back from work still at that same point and still begging with the same
strategy he used on me. I later learnt that is what he does for a living and
that he begs at that point every day.
Another situation I still remember vividly is that of a little Hausa boy,
maybe 10 or 11 years old, who moves himself begging for alms in the streets of
Lagos. He lay, stomach-down, on an old skateboard, and pulls his body along
with his arms. He had no legs. He rolled over to me, looked up into my eyes,
and asked for money. Struggling not to cry, I reached into my pocket and handed
over a Five hundred naira note, more than what I spend on a meal each morning.
I know many of us as fall into one of, similar or the entire scenario
mentioned above.
When we come to think of it, giving those cash to the beggars might sound
good but it’s among the most destructive things we’ve ever done.
We should not encourage given money to beggars because it does not solve
their problem but rather solve their immediate problem. We should not give
money to beggars. Not even the cute ones. Not even the disabled ones. Not even
the ones who want money for school. Don't give them money, or candy, or whatever.
It's not generous. In fact, it's one of the most harmful—and selfish—things a
well-meaning person can do.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying we should not help beggars or that all
people begging are not really in need of what they beg for. I am trying to
caution us on how and what we give to beggars or better put a better way to
help them.
The impulse to share our blessings with people we meet is a wonderful and
compassionate thing. But there are better ways to give. Established
non-governmental organizations can ensure that charitable donations go to
effective, sustainable projects, and they know how to implement positive change
in minimally disruptive ways. Although none of this could help if we are
confronted with heartbreaking poverty and suffering, right? It feels cruel and
heartless to look a needy child in the eyes and, as many guidebooks suggest,
“say no in a loud, firm voice. So we can’t say no and we absolutely cannot say
yes. What can we say?
Instead of dishing out cash, buy someone food or a cup of tea if you wish
and, best of all, if you think they have no roof over their head, contact local
homelessness organizations
Try and ask questions as for the reason for the money to be giving. Pay for
or buy the exact item been asked for. Instead of giving out transport fare,
take the person to the bus stop and pay for the transport fare directly to the
driver or the bus conductor.
If at all you want to help with money, give it to a relevant charity organization.
You find beggars unpleasant as well as concerning.
Whatever, the message is the same,
wherever you live. Don't give money to street beggars. Help them instead. Be
generous: Leave those coins in your pocket. Together we will build a better
Nigeria.
Written by Olagundoye temidayo
07081165875
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