Making a difference — one life, one day, one act at a time

Jan 27, 2024

A Blessed Life- Tianne Ramona Pereira

It is staggering to acknowledge that over 600 million individuals worldwide struggle to afford life's basic necessities such as food, shelter, clean water, minimal healthcare, and fundamental education. Shockingly, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reveals that a disheartening 10 per cent of the global population — 828 million people — go to bed hungry every night. These statistics force us to confront the stark reality that there are individuals surviving daily in conditions unimaginable to those of us privileged enough to read this article.

As I sat researching poverty, my fingers tapped away on digital devices, swiftly accessing a wealth of information. Seated comfortably in a chair designed to support my posture, within the confines of a well-cooled room, a sudden wave of embarrassment washes over me. It’s a sense of embarrassment directed both inwardly and outwardly, contemplating how we coexist in a world where our young children have access to technologically advanced tablets, iPhones, and gaming devices — luxuries that come with a hefty price tag, merely for entertainment. We effortlessly traverse borders in flights, engage in face-to-face discussions with individuals in different time zones, and enjoy the convenience of doorstep deliveries for all our needs with a simple click.

And yet, within the same global sphere, there are people who lack even the most basic amenities. In this very moment, some may not possess a candle for light or access to clean water for essential activities like brushing their teeth. The stark contrast in our experiences prompts a profound question: How is it possible that such disparities persist in a world that has achieved remarkable advancements and conveniences for some but leaves others grappling with dire circumstances?

We mustn’t overlook the fact that poverty extends beyond mere financial deprivation. It permeates various facets of society, contributing to a myriad of global issues and yielding countless repercussions. From hunger and malnutrition to limited access to education, poor healthcare, deficient social protection laws, social discrimination, injustice, inequality, and marginalisation, to political instability, heightened crime rates, human rights violations, mental health challenges, corruption, authoritarianism, and abuse — the cascade of consequences seems endless.

Determining culpability in this complex web is no easy task. Should we attribute it to a country’s governance or its corrupt leadership? Are the individuals affected merely lacking initiative or a sense of entitlement? Could the aftermath of war be casting a prolonged shadow on disrupted livelihoods? A recent article I read explained how the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe economic blow to Malaysia, undoing the strides made in poverty eradication. While many are recovering post-pandemic, the most vulnerable and marginalised communities, already grappling with adversity, find themselves disproportionately affected.

Instead of delving into the reasons behind someone’s suffering, perhaps the greater responsibility lies in identifying how I can contribute to alleviating their plight.

As Christians, where do we commence in the battle against poverty? While the monumental task of eliminating global poverty may seem daunting, the words of St Teresa of Calcutta echo in my mind: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Drawing inspiration from the principles of multi-level marketing, I envision a practical approach to making a difference—one life at a time, one day at a time, one act at a time. Picture the transformative impact if each person extended a helping hand to just one other individual – the collective force of compassion could reshape the world!

My role model, is and always has been, my dad. As long as I can remember he has always reached out to those in need.

In fact, when he saw a Rohingya family who needed food assistance, he got a few friends together and went on the first mission offering rice bags to 70 families. Today, seven years later, friends, family, neighbours (of all races and religions) are part of the mission known as Bread & Roses, giving aid to almost 400 refugee and urban poor families every month. It began with recognising the need and then doing something about it!

I am sure there are many other unsung heroes out there, reaching out and doing the extraordinary. I truly believe each and every one of us has a role to play, whether we are rich, poor, young, old, abled or not ? this is a task we must take on together. I understand fighting poverty takes time. The process of eliminating poverty is not simple, it takes time to empower and facilitate those affected to become performers in their own development. But with that said, we can and must be instrumental!

I, for one, think money alone is not enough! Why? Because it takes real heart, dedication, patience and a whole lot of determination to do the ground work, to get resources and channel them out. To some it may be easier to write out a RM5000 donation than to give five days of service ? reemphasising my point that we all have a part to play. Some of us donate, some of us volunteer, but all of us should keep ourselves in the know, create awareness, speak up, challenge ideas and assumptions and pray! This is not a job for someone else to take on, it is a job for you and I.

(Tianne Ramona Pereira identifies first as a Catholic daughter, sister, wife and mother. From years in the media industry, she eventually started and continues to run her own businesses while teaching part-time. She has been actively serving in church for as far back as she can remember and is involved in various charities.)