Moffat Mungazi
Rodgers Irimayi
Cultural Perspectives
IN order to enjoy life in a peaceful environment, there is need for human beings to tolerate each other regardless of physical, mental or social standing.
This entails accepting others’ different opinions and fostering a culture of tolerance for the less-privileged.
Such behaviour becomes an essential aspect of building a compassionate society.
Positive attitudes can only be cultivated through family support systems, community engagement and educational awareness which results in systemic change of attitudes towards the less fortunate.
The less-privileged can be placed into various groups which include: Persons with Disabilities (PWDs); orphans and vulnerable children; elderly individuals; single parents; low-income households; homeless individuals; women and girls; substance abusers; refugees and internally displaced persons; ethnic and racial minorities; unemployed and underemployed youths.
The categories vary according to various socio-economic factors, vulnerabilities, and specific needs that may require different types of support and assistance to improve their situations.
In order to ameliorate the expected needs of these groups, it involves a wholesome approach from family members, community engagement and Government policies and programs that consider their unique challenges.
The role of families in supporting the less-privileged
Families play the most significant role in assisting the less-privileged in their communities as they are closer to them, and their assistance can have direct impact and meaning on the lives of the less-privileged in society.
If a family has the means, they can provide food, clothes, temporal accommodation or offer financial assistance such as sponsoring a needy child’s education.
It can also benefit those in need if families in the neighbourhood get involved in organising and participating in drive campaigns for essential requirements or school expectations.
Many children drop out of school just because they fail to get a term’s fees, but neighbours just watch without offering any hand where they could have easily provided.
Sometimes the amount of money we spend on less important things is much more than the little that could take our neighbour a long way in solving problems.
It is important for families to teach and involve their own children in assisting others as this trains them about giving back.
They need to be reminded that in life they might end up in desperate situations like those seeking for help.
The notion giving others is of promoting inclusivity and acceptance by families can instill values of kindness and understanding in their children.
Well-mannered children accommodate visitors in their homes but to the contrary, those ill-mannered despise strangers in their homes.
Likewise, well-groomed children help the elderly people, the disabled, and others who are less privileged than them.
Training children to give ensures the same child will be able to help society in adulthood.
Local support initiatives for the less-privileged
Traditional leaders, ward councillors and other community leaders have a role to play in identifying the less-privileged so that they are provided with the necessary support needed.
Some might be in dire need of shelter, food, clothes or even education.
With the right attitudes and community-driven support from the grassroots, they become functional and may even start income generating projects to sustain themselves.
They need start-up capital as foundation for business endeavors.
It requires voluntary work of community members to donate and provide skills so that such people become organised and take up opportunities.
It calls for empathy and understanding from the community for low-income households who often struggle to get basic needs to be recognised for social welfare aid.
Some village heads decide to ignore and take no notice of such suffering people but instead, include on their lists those who do not deserve food handouts.
Community leaders can initiate programmes that connect volunteers with orphanages, nursing homes, and old people’s homes and or assist people with disabilities.
Direct interaction of volunteers with such groups can foster genuine understanding and compassion.
Volunteers assist in empowering at grassroots level and they focus on aiding marginalised groups is one way that can be very effective.
Establishing community trusts
Some societies establish organisations such as community trusts through their community members to support and uplift the lives of the maginalised.
In Zimbabwe, community trusts are recognised and regulated by the law.
These trusts often focus on the promotion of the social welfare, education, healthcare, and economic development within a particular community and are meant to benefit the public rather than individuals.
They are typically non-profit making organisations and any surplus funds accumulated are redirected for reinvestment within the community rather than distributed to individuals.
The good about community trusts is that they empower local communities to take control of their own developments and even decision-making processes.
Support from trusts can target specific individuals or groups within a community. Some trusts promote economic development and job creation which reduces the rate of unemployment within a particular community.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility encompasses a wide range of activities and initiatives that compel a company to plough-back to the community and commit itself to ethical behavior and community engagement.
CSR ensures the company focuses on the welfare of stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and the environment. Philanthropy and charitable contributions are part of the company’s provisions of financial support, donations, or grants to charitable organisations, educational institutions, and community projects.
Businesses are therefore encouraged to adopt CSR programmes that contribute to community welfare by philanthropic funding of local initiatives, offering jobs, or creating mentorship programs for underprivileged youths.
Education and awareness programmes
In order to make communities aware, campaigns need to help others understand the barriers they face, such as poverty, lack of education, and healthcare access.
Another approach is to facilitate programmes in schools and workplaces that encourage discussions on social justice, equity, and the importance of community support.
Such open discussions create safe spaces for dialogue between the privileged and the less privileged to share experiences and challenges openly.
Open conversations can then foster generosity and promote a sense of connection and compassion.
The results of such dialogues encourage kindness and the much needed positive attitudes and feelings for the less-privileged.
Media promotion
The media provides the platforms to highlight success stories of individuals from less privileged backgrounds who overcome challenges.
Such stories can inspire others and instill a sense of hope among the marginalised in the community.
It is the media which should have more accurate and positive portrayals of the disabled, elderly, orphaned, and widowed individuals in the community.
This include portrayal through films, articles, and social media where story-lines should celebrate and strengthen the less privileged in the society.
Rodgers Irimayi is the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Masvingo Provincial Information Officer. He writes in his personal capacity and can be contacted on +263778246098 or rodgersirimayi@ gmail.com.
