I see my last blog post divided opinions on charity as an industry. I would like to answer one particular comment from my Facebook page: charity as an industry to make money and power for many. I would like to thank the user for his constructive criticism as the thought rose in my mind that many may believe this about charity.
In my opinion, industry has more than one dimension, marred by negative connotations as it also means enterprise. Let’s not forget Henry Ford, who managed to turn car manufacturing into an industry, revolutionising transport across the globe. I would like to add to that the philosophical, implementation and development dimensions.
The philosophical dimension takes into account the concept of industry, which should be more inclusive to broaden the thinking of people in charge. The implementation dimension encourages us to perfect and excel in our services to the needy, since they are the true owners of charity operations. The third dimension includes the development of the lives of the beneficiaries and the creation of a new generation who will be empowered to lead their communities.
Looking again at the pyramid, if we consider charity an industry, we manage to overcome the seasonal and traditional giving, therefore going from the individual to a legitimate institution.
People usually judge industry from a mechanical point of view. I believe we ought to look at it from a fresh, thought-provoking point of view. We need to create the industry of thinking, mentoring, cultural development, dialogue and trust building.
Charity, with its links to other sectors, must be accountable and transparent, reflecting and responding to the needy, otherwise it becomes entangled by individuals who want only money or power for themselves.
Charities must work together to ensure the development of communities continues, without any place for individuals with ulterior motives.
From the International Donors and Investors Conference for East Sudan in Kuwait,
Dr. Hany El Banna
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