Giving Fish or Teaching how to Fish??
Dr Anne Nkutu
I recall a discussion a few years ago in which one of the presenters accused charities like Rotary of creating “white elephants.”
He argued that while many of the facilities we have constructed are important, they risk being underutilized because the beneficiary communities may not afford the cost of the services offered. His assertions sparked a lively debate, with many in the room contesting his views.
However, I later found myself reflecting on whether there might be some truth to his claims. Are we giving enough attention to sustainability issues in our projects? When we donate items, do we consider where beneficiaries will obtain their next supplies once our donations are depleted? When we install water tanks or construct classroom blocks, are we thinking about how those schools will maintain them? When building or equipping health centers, do we take into account the resources needed to ensure a consistent flow of quality services? I believe that if we don’t consider these issues carefully, many of our interventions may end up being short-term fixes rather than the transformative solutions we aspire to achieve.
As we commemorate Economic and Community Development Month, it’s crucial that we reflect on how we are supporting communities to create lasting change. I am happy that more clubs are recognizing the importance of active community participation and local ownership. As a result, we are witnessing the formation of more Rotary Community Corps (RCCs). Comprising local community members, RCCs serve as vital vehicles for sustainability. When sufficiently empowered, they can sustain project benefits long after the implementing Rotary clubs have moved on. However, this is only part of the solution.
Many of our project investments require a continuous flow of resources to remain fully operational. Therefore, I believe we should place greater emphasis on creating economic opportunities for communities, enabling them to generate the resources needed to sustain services and foster self-reliance. I commend all those clubs that are incorporating elements of economic empowerment into their projects, whether through microfinance schemes, skills training, or income-generating activities.
As the famous adage goes: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him host how fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” I believe we can—and should—do both.
When building or equipping health centers, do we take into account the resources needed to ensure a consistent flow of quality services?
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