How NGOs can help in improving the lives of poor

In a country like India, poverty is a big-time problem. According to the latest statistics, a huge section of the Indian population is still below the poverty line. Therefore, the role of NGOs is very crucial here. Through their various projects, they have brought some of the best employment opportunities, educational programs, and self-help groups. Many families in rural as well as urban areas have received consistent benefits from these NGOs. Not just that, there are various strategies also that are incorporated by the NGOs to reduce poverty like of social development.

In India, even though the poor want to come out of their deprived conditions, they cannot, due to the lack of resources. This thing, these non-governmental organizations have realized, therefore they try to make sure, that they provide ample resources to the ones in need. These organizations also ensure that there is the proper utilization of these resources by the individuals.

The NGOs also offer proper public and socio-economical services to needy. In the last few years, some of their developmental programs have improved the standards of living of the poor. These employment programs have helped many individuals secure jobs based on their skills. Some of the NGOs that have worked effectively in these areas are the Smile Foundation, in Delhi, and the Nudge Foundation in Bangalore.

In dire situations like Covid-19, non-governmental organizations are coming together to uplift the marginalized sections by providing food to hygiene kits. To mention a few examples: Uday Foundation is primarily working to make healthcare accessible to the underprivileged. They have set a target to feed 50,000 individuals and distribute 2 lakh sanitizers and soaps. Goonj foundation is providing dry ration and personal care material to over 1 lakh people.

We come across news every day that the poor people are not provided with the proper healthcare. This should not be the case, whether someone has enough money or not, they should have access to this facility. This is their right. If this is not happening, NGOs should take the charge and make sure that no such discrimination is taking place.

There are so many slum children who roam on streets selling things, while at this age they should study. But due to the financial crisis, they don’t have the privilege of education. Therefore they risk their lives just get enough meal to stay alive. For such situations, NGOs have come up with a various program like Smile Foundation has started its Mission Education. This program has provided education to 200,000 children so far. These children are mostly abandoned, homeless, exploited, or from extremely poor families.

While the organizations have done a fairly good job, they should focus more on making people self-reliant. Providing food and other necessities is a great cause, but this helps the individual only once. Instead, do more of what can help the needy in the long run, like engaging them into skill development, providing education, etc.

All in all, NGOs make us believe that still there is some philanthropy that exists. Selflessly helping the needy is all take it takes to make the society a better place to live in.