Lesson: The Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal

Ending world poverty has been the big, hairy, audacious goal for many in the Western world. The problem is going into an area and telling poor people what they need and want has not been very successful. Building schools, providing toilets and educating children serve no purpose if there are no jobs and, thus, no future beyond continued funding and handouts. But it’s not only that. Sending people to developing countries uses valuable resources that may be better utilized. Poor people are not stupid; they’re just poor. They know what they need but don’t have the money to attain it. Perhaps the answer to solving poverty is hiding in plain sight. Give them money.