Introduction:
Supporting Each Other: A Historical Perspective
Supporting each other is as old as human history. If we look back at history, it is clear that man has been helping and supporting one another from the beginning. But in different periods of history, its methodology changes. Today, as the world has become a global village, it has become easier to help each other.
The Role of NGOs in Modern Humanitarian Efforts:
Global Efforts of NGOs in Helping Humanity
Nowadays, Non Government Organizations are the most modern form of helping people. The network of NGOs is spread all over the world and they are supporting people in various walks of life such as education, health, sanitation and basic needs like water. NGOs work in good faith and are not greedy for any kind of reward. NGO's strive to benefit as many people as possible in the world and for this purpose NGOs reach across seven seas. One of the great virtues of NGO's is that they go beyond religion, nation and country and help only as human beings. And those who get support from NGOs are deeply grateful to the NGO's and ask for good prayers.
Challenges Faced by NGOs:
Mismanagement and Misuse of Aid
I personally salute the efforts of NGOs but would also like to make a suggestion with utmost respect. The first and most common thing is that some of the aid you give is eaten up by the local people of this country who are hired to work for NGOs. Sadly, on the one hand, the people of foreign NGOs are helping the poor people of other countries, while on the other hand, the rich people of the same country are eating the rights of the poor of their own country. And these people make videos and pictures to make the donors happy by showing people the help they get. By eliminating such people, much of the aid can be saved from falling into the wrong hands.
And the second but special point is that NGOs released funds for aid and these funds were spent also. But these funds are spent in such a way that you can say that the funds have been wasted. NGOs workers take the burdens off their heads and valuable NGOs aid continues to be lost. Machinery donated by NGO's for poor areas is provided but sometimes either the machinery is installed incorrectly or the wrong place to install the machinery is chosen. This issue needs special attention because it wastes a portion of the aid and is of no use to anyone.
The Story of Our Village’s Aid Project:
World Bank’s Generosity and the Villagers’ Contribution
Approximately 25 years ago, the World Bank donated a project worth around 15 million rupees to our village. This project included soling, concrete drains, and the provision of clean drinking water. Undoubtedly, this was a significant amount at that time.
How did the World Bank, located across the seven seas, learn about our village’s lack of clean drinking water, and how did we get this project? Regarding this, there is an elder in our village who is an avid radio enthusiast. He mentioned that he might have heard about it on the radio, or perhaps it was broadcast on television. The news showed women from our area traveling long distances to fetch water. It is said that someone from the World Bank, touched by this sight, saw women carrying one water pot on their head, another under their arm, while holding a child in the other arm. This moved that person deeply. Naturally, research would have followed to identify the area. The World Bank then resolved to provide facilities like soling, concrete drains, and clean drinking water to many villages in our region.
Like the other villages, our village was also included in the facilities provided by the World Bank. For water, they constructed a room near the canal flowing close to our village. They drilled a bore into the ground, installed an excellent turbine, acquired a connection from WAPDA, installed a transformer, and secured the motor inside the room. Pipes were laid underground to transport the water to the village, and connections were provided to the residents.
Mismanagement and the Downfall of the Project:
Neglect and Loss of Collective Resources
Additionally, a committee was formed by selecting a few individuals from our village. They were properly guided on how to manage the project. The committee charged a nominal fee from the villagers for connections, and the monthly bill for each household was just 30 rupees to cover the electricity expenses. Some people gradually stopped paying their fees, which started to cause problems. The committee was responsible for managing the project efficiently and resolving any issues that arose. However, the committee failed to carry out its responsibilities, resulting in the project's closure.
Due to non-payment of bills, WAPDA disconnected the electricity connection. Some time later, thieves and influential individuals began stealing the valuable equipment from the project. First, the turbine was stolen, followed by the electrical components. Eventually, after the room was emptied, even the door and windows were removed. Now, only the skeleton of the room remains.
Lessons Learned from the Experience
The Importance of Integrity and Responsibility
The purpose of sharing this account is to highlight that some of the very people who benefited from this aid stole the project's equipment for their personal gain, disregarding the collective interest. When those receiving aid act this way, it raises a question about the integrity of those responsible for providing aid.
It deeply saddens me to write such a truth about the people of my own area, which is a source of embarrassment for me. But this is the reality.
I understand that this does not create a positive image of the people in my area. Therefore, I want to clarify that my intention is not to defame anyone. The truth is, good and bad people exist in every country and every city. The real need is to elevate people’s morality and awareness through education.
Conclusion:
Uplifting Morality and Education for a Better Society
Despite all these problems, the people who help are sitting behind the scenes and are still helping as much as possible. Truth be told, living for others is real life and these people have realized this fact. All the society and my best wishes are with the NGO's. Thank you very much for supporting people.