Some of us are fortunate enough to have never experienced being homeless, hungry or bereft of opportunities and hope. Even so, global poverty affects us all in many ways:

 

1.     A slum environment breeds fear, mistrust and insecurity for society at large. The desperation brought about by poverty can lead people to resort to criminal activities, putting everyone at risk. Poverty is also one of the driving forces of terrorist activities. Insurgents, rebels and terrorists often rally around this cause, relying on violent and indiscriminate means to bring about the justice they seek for their lack of resources and opportunities;

2.    In many developing nations, poverty is one of the main reasons why citizens feel shame and a sense of hopelessness for their country. Unfortunately, widespread apathy and disdain for one’s own country only serves to hasten the decay of its institutions and the country’s downfall;

3.     Poverty contributes greatly to environmental degradation by forcing people to abuse natural resources to meet their basic necessities. They have lesser opportunities to learn of how they are contributing to global climate change through poor waste management. Save the poor and you are able to save the environment.

We should care because poverty cuts through cultures, continents and classes to affect you, your family and the people you love. You should care because it is time for us to commit to help our communities, countries, and the single world we all share. You should care because you can, and because there are millions of fathers, mothers and children whose everyday prayers are simply that someone will.