A motion which seeks to move Food for the Poor Inc. from a distribution organisation to one that empowers the poor was outlined at its annual committees retreat yesterday at the company’s office.
According to Executive Director Leon Davis, “change is most difficult, but you have to think about moving your community forward and not just giving out stuff.” After nineteen years in operation in Guyana, the time had come for the company to change the method of its operation in the communities, he added.
The committees were formed to assist in the distribution of goods to those in need. “Handouts are not the solution to the problem of poverty; empowerment of people is the key,” Davis said.
To this end, he encouraged participants to formulate programmes which will enrich the lives of persons in their areas based on their needs. He urged them to focus on projects such as poultry rearing, cash crop cultivation, sewing and computer classes. The involvement of youths, he said, was a critical target area since many of them are involved in time-wasting activities.
Further, Davis noted that the committees will be integrated into the organisational chart of Food for the Poor since they are very important and function as the “eyes and ears” in communities in which they work.
The annual retreat brings together representatives from communities around Guyana where they seek to highlight their issues, their needs and provide project reports. Food for the Poor, which is the biggest charity in Guyana was established in 1991 and has partnered with various organisations to bring relief and improve the lives of the nation’s poor.