Introduction To Aid And Development

1329 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Christian views on poverty

There are thousands of aid agencies around today that promise to feed the poor, develop communities and provide relief. To the unobservant outsider these agencies may all seem the same, but there are differences that make some more effective at what they do. TEAR is once such agency. Their practices and principles are different to others, but that is also what makes their work so effective. In this essay I will look at the approach TEAR takes to aid and development and reflect upon my experiences visiting one of their agency support groups.
TEAR (transformation, empowerment, advocacy and relief) is an organisation comprised of a group of Christians who are responding to the needs of poor communities in both Australia and the world. They partner with groups and community organisations in poorer areas and provide emergency relief and further development, as well as advocacy and justice for the disempowered. Their ultimate goal is to overcome global poverty and injustice (TEAR Australia, 2014). There are five principles or responses that underlie all the work done, these are to always be learning, to live out your beliefs, advocate for those who are unable, to pray and to give in any capacity you can (TEAR Australia, 2014). TEAR is unlike many other aid and development agencies that exist today, not only because of its strong Christian roots, but also as it finds and funds local projects rather than jumping in and starting its own. To support these programs TEAR receives aid from AusAID (a government initiative) as well as donations from individuals and businesses (TEAR Australia, 2014).
No matter how an aid and development organisation is run, there will be issues and problems involved. TEAR is no different and though they do so ...

... middle of paper ...

...ways things to learn and areas where you need to improve yourself. He thought that attending a TEAR group, like this one allowed him to constantly be challenged to accept people with willingness and openness. They agreed that though they may not always agree 100% with everything TEAR does it was important to have that support and friendship around them. Their confidence and passion comes from Christ and a desire to see his Kingdom come on earth today.
The approach TEAR takes to aid and development may be different from many of their peers, but it can clearly be seen that it works. Though, like any organisation it has its issues and struggles, the way they approach not just solutions but also aid and development is with a Christlike passion. To see the world as Christ did, not a hopeless case, but a community worth saving, and indeed it is a fight worth fighting.

Show More
Related

  • 'Chasing Chaos' By Jessica Alexander: A Critical Analysis

    905 Words  | 2 Pages

    Her memoir starts off in Darfur in 2005, where in her late 20’s, she hits rock bottom while managing a refugee camp for 24,000 civilians. It backtracks to her internship in Rwanda, while moving forward to her challenges in Darfur, in addition to her experiences in post- tsunami Indonesia, and post-quake in Haiti. By sharing her story, Alexander gives readers an opportunity to go behind-the-scenes into the devastations that are censored on media outlets. She stresses that these are often the problems that individuals claim they are educated on, but rarely make it their priority to solve. However, that is not the case for Jessica Alexander as she has over 12 years of experience working with different NGO’s and UN operations. As a result, Alexander earns the credibility to critique the multi-billion-dollar humanitarian aid industry. From her painful yet rewarding work experience, Alexander gives an honest and empathetic view of humanitarian aid as an establishment and a

    Read More

  • An Imperfect Offering by James Orbinski

    1243 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...victims of war and genocide, it is admirable to see his courage to remain engaged in service to his fellow human. With a bold, yet pragmatic vision, Orbinski is unconcerned with seemingly intractable problems of finding drugs for the poorest AIDS victims. The book illustrates his desire to get the job done without bravado and grand statements. Although the book was painful to read, it takes he reader to the extreme of human suffering. Nevertheless, it also inspires with its reflections of humanitarianism and the ingenuity brought to its implementation. It is heartening to know James Orbinski can inspire students in both the arts and sciences as they set out on their careers. Since after all he’s seen, Orbinski remain optimistic, not cynical, and committed to action. Do give this book to any students in your life, after you have read it yourself.

    Read More

  • David Brooks’ op-ed “The Undying Tragedy”

    1455 Words  | 3 Pages

    In David Brooks’ op-ed “The Undying Tragedy,” he discusses four main hypotheses regarding poverty and aid in Haiti. His ideas about poverty, as viewed through the modernization, dependency/world-systems, and post-structural theoretical perspectives lead to three different conclusions. Specifically, as viewed though a modernizations lens, the “truths” Brooks puts forth seem fairly in accordance with the perspective, with some minor addendums needed. The dependency and world systems theories again agree with some of Brook’s hypotheses, but would disagree with some of the assumptions he makes in regards to culture and paternalism. Finally, the post-structural theory would find the most problems with Brooks’ claims, likely disagreeing with his assumptions about the effects of culture on poverty and his view of the development process.

    Read More

  • The Eight Stages Of Genocide In Darfur

    1127 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many still believe that all the hard times are behind them. Those people believe that since they aren’t the ones having to face those harsh times. However, evil still exists till this day, like the Genocide in Darfur. The subject about Darfur has always been a delicate one to many. However, there are still many in this society that still don’t even have the slightest clue about what is happening over in Sudan. There have been many genocides in the past, and the most well known is the Holocaust, but it’s sad to think that it still goes on till this day. Furthermore, there are still many that haven’t done much about it. Society needs to find out about what is happening in Darfur and awareness needs to be raised as well.

    Read More

  • Impact of Foreign Aid on African Democracy and Economy

    932 Words  | 2 Pages

    Every year, more and more money is donated to Africa to promote democracy in order to get rid of the powerful coups in many countries through out the continent. While the coups are declining and democratic governments are being established, the economic growth and development of Africa is not anywhere it should be considering the abundant natural resources and coastline that the continent possesses. Even though countries, like the United States of America, donate millions of dollars they are a large reason why Africa is underdeveloped economically. The Trans-Atlantic Slave trade is the most devastating event in the history of the world. Nearly 14,000,000 men, women, and children were displaced, sold into slavery, and killed by the trade routes.(

    Read More

  • Runaway and Homeless Youth

    1898 Words  | 4 Pages

    A well-known program in New Orleans is The Covenant House. It is a well establish program that offer assistance to thousands of youth. Each day, scores of kids walk into Covenant Houses across the Americas for the first time. They get what they need immediately: a shower, a meal, clothes, a warm bed, and medical care if they require it – more than a third do. Then, Covenant House has expectations of the kids. Once they’re safe, clot...

    Read More

  • The Effectiveness of ASPCA's Commercial

    768 Words  | 2 Pages

    For over seven years this video has been bringing its audience to tears through the use of many different methods. These methods are meant to emotionally compromise the viewers so in the end they will feel sympathetic towards that cause and eventually donate money. The effectiveness of this commercial is proven by the fact that the organization has made millions since the commercial was first aired.

    Read More

  • Beggars, Homeless and the Professional Panhandling Plague

    975 Words  | 2 Pages

    Most people feel that they should help the needy in some way or another. The problem is how to help them. This problem generally arises when there is a person sitting on the side of the road in battered clothes with a cardboard sign asking for some form of help, almost always in the form of money. Yet something makes the giver uneasy. What will they do with this money? Do they need this money? Will it really help them? The truth of the matter is, it won't. However, there are things that can be done to help the needy. Giving money to a reliable foundation will help the helpless, something that transferring money from a pocket to a man's tin can will never do.

    Read More

  • Famine Relief

    1822 Words  | 4 Pages

    In response to the recent failure of the international community to prevent the famine crisis in the Horn of Africa since July 2011, Suzanne Dvorak the chief executive of Save the Children wrote that, “We need to provide help now. But we cannot forget that these children are wasting away in a disaster that we could - and should - have prevented” she added, “The UN estimates that every $1 spent in prevention saves $7 in emergency spending.” (Dvorak, 2011).

    Read More

  • Challenges Of Amnesty International Essay

    792 Words  | 2 Pages

    Salil Shetty. 2016. Making Change, the Challenge and The Potential ( speech to IAVE World Volunteer Conference). Retrieved from

    Read More

  • Humanity in Jerry Sittser's A Grace Disguised

    1957 Words  | 4 Pages

    The human experience is what connects people to one another. What we experience defines who we are and who we become. It also defines how we interact with others. The amazing thing is that not only do the events that bring joy, peace and happiness connect us but also those that bring anxiety, fear and despair. This brings to light the fact that God somehow in his sovereignty uses all things for the good of those who love Him. These ideas are brought to light in Jerry Sittser’s book, A Grace Disguised which is his personal journey of loss and the insight and experience that was gained in the face of great tragedy. In his book, Sittser discusses various insights he has gained, such as how Christian’s view sorrow, how families recover when someone they love develops a mental disorder, and the Christian view on suffering and forgiveness. I believe that the author has written a book that has many universal truths that can be applied to anyone’s life and they have the ability to bring healing to many. His ideas can also aid professionals who work with the mentally ill in becoming more compassionate.

    Read More

  • The Importance of Serving Others

    1183 Words  | 3 Pages

    Individualism is rampant in our world. More and more people are concerned with what they want, when they want it and how they want it. They put blinders on and go about their work, convinced that “looking out for number one” is the only way to succeed and find happiness. If everyone were to adopt this way of thinking and living, the world would become violently competitive, gloomy, and callous. However, if we open our lives and give service to those less fortunate than ourselves, we allow our hearts to receive immeasurable happiness. There are countless members of society, who make service and ultimately self-sacrifice a part of their everyday lives. One of the greatest examples the world has of a self-sacrificing person is Mother Teresa. She said, “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love… It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.” Doctors Without Borders is a powerful humanitarian organization that was most recently volunteering in Haiti. Part of their mission statement reads, “…We unite direct medical care with a commitment to bearing witness and speaking out against the underlying causes of suffering. Our aid workers and staff protest violations of humanitarian law on behalf of populations who have no voice, and bring the concerns of their patients to public forums…” These are just two mainstream examples of people and organizations that live and work for others, to improve the quality of their lives.

    Read More

  • International Development in Developing Countries

    2380 Words  | 5 Pages

    “…increasing international trade and financial flows since the Second World War have fostered sustained economic growth over the long term in the world’s high-income states. Some with idle incomes have prospered as well, but low-income economies generally have not made significant gains. The growing world economy has not produced balanced, healthy economic growth in the poorer states. Instead, the cycle of underdevelopment more aptly describes their plight. In the context of weak economies, the negative effects of international trade and foreign investments have been devastating. Issues of trade and currency values preoccupy the economic policies of states with low-income economies even more than those with high incomes because the downturns are far more debilitating.1”

    Read More

  • The Charity Organization Society

    2233 Words  | 5 Pages

    The reformation of the Charity Organizations didn’t grant relief themselves however they served as a resource to simplify the transaction of relief to relief applicants by: maintaining relief applicant requests, records of the aid given to them, and referring those worthy or unworthy to the proper agencies (Trattner, 1999). Their goal was to eradicate fraud and duplicity of services while also maintaining efficiency and treating poverty. The charity organization movement intended to treat poverty by enacting “friendly visitors” to look into each case and define the cause of destitution while also watching for overlapping relief. These “friendly visitors” and their investigations were the cornerstone of the Charity Organization Society’s (C.O.S) treatment; granting aid without investigation was like giving medicine without diagnosis (Trattner, 1999).

    Read More

  • Causes and Solutions of World Poverty

    1143 Words  | 3 Pages

    Through individual, national, and global aid, we can take steps to decrease the overwhelming amount of poverty in less-developed countries and even in our own lands.

    Read More

More about Introduction To Aid And Development

Open Document