One of the larger topics we discussed in my Introduction to Economics class revolved around the issue of poverty and the larger issue of wasted opportunity to help those in poverty. I found these descriptions to be extremely heartwarming, as I have worked with the poor in Brazil for 11 years now. I will speak from my own experience and what I have seen from the Church when generosity is faced without knowledge.
We run a large ministry in Brazil and take in missionaries who want to help. With that, comes very kind hearted and generous people. The only issue is that 99 out 100 times, they have no idea what to do with that generosity. I have witnessed rich businessmen give a homeless man the equivalent of 500 USD. One could bring in the thought that the homeless man will use that money for drugs, but let's give the man the benefit of the doubt and imagine a world where these people use their donation money for necessities. At some point, that money runs out and they are back to ground zero.
If someone wants to genuinely help these people out, short term missions trips will not make a lasting impact. If these people in extreme poverty understood Economics, they could start a business or at least equip themselves with knowledge to rise up in a difficult economy. If someone has money that they want to give, giving the money directly to the ministry is the most impactful difference. The ministry can find the connections and resources to educate and bless these people with a new life.
This is really good! Before taking this class, I never really thought about how a lot of 'giving' may not actually positively impact the community long term. Especially for wealthier people, they tend to think that they should give what they have, which are material goods. But it is clear to me that what matters the most is lasting gifts, such as resources and education for those communities to flourish far after the 'gift' was given. Understanding basic economics has definitely proven to be really important when considering how to give to those in need.