How did you became aware of poverty issues and became involved?
I was raised in a poor country surrounded by people living in extreme poverty. Bearing witness to this daily suffering left a lasting impression on me. It breaks my heart to see poor people forced into prostitution or literally having to sell their children in order to eat. It is unjust that in the 21st century, over 800 million people go to sleep on an empty stomach every night or die from hunger while the affluent are well fed and sleep in skyscrapers. Confronted with these realities, I could not stand idle doing nothing! Poverty has always been a motivating factor in furthering my studies as I understood that without a good education, it would be difficult to make a place for myself in the world. This is why I came to Canada to pursue higher studies in international development.
Since childhood, I have always shared my belongings with others. I remember always being told that I should look after myself, and that I could not change everything instantly. Nevertheless, I have clung to my beliefs and persevered. One day, I realized that my life was a gift from the Lord, and all my possessions a grace. Since that day, I have fully understood the notion of sharing. People born in poor countries never wished to find themselves in such dire circumstances. I have come to understand that they alone have the solution to their problems, but are often prevented from doing anything to change their situation due to a lack of means. They can only hope for a better future! In my opinion, effective aid is the kind of aid that makes the recipient master of their destiny, and above all, empowers him to make his own choices. Everybody must be given a chance to succeed, particularly those who have the will to succeed but are deprived of the means to do so.
I have decided to get involved in the anti-poverty struggle in a number of ways. I donate money to anti-poverty organizations, help members of my family and community in need, and attend as many conferences on poverty as possible. I have also worked with several non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Africa, France and in Canada. The fight against poverty has become my daily battle. I search for solutions, read magazines and articles, and meet people in this field to see how we can act together to make a difference. My father always tells me: “We must give and give to receive grace”. I have learned and experienced that there is more joy and pleasure in giving than receiving; and compassion, generosity and kindness are qualities that are always rewarded in life.
What did you find attractive at RESULTS?
I discovered RESULTS through a classroom friend after he witnessed a presentation I delivered on the interrelationship between poverty and gender with respect to HIV/AIDS. He invited me to a RESULTS meeting with the Gatineau group. I have always believed that anything is possible, but in the absence of political will and adequate financing, it is difficult to move forward and initiate concrete actions. However, this should not discourage us from action. The fact that RESULTS actions work on raising political will made the group attractive to me.
What is your best memory of RESULTS?
My best memory of RESULTS is the very warm reception I received from the RESULTS Gatineau group members at my first meeting. I was really touched and felt encouraged to join the group. The group leader, Yvon Dupuis, is a man full of energy, passion, determination, good will, compassion and conviction, and those are highly motivating qualities. I am convinced that together we can put an end to extreme poverty. I personally feel that it is possible to attain such a world, a just, sustainable, peaceful and equitable world in which everyone finds their place and benefits from public property created by God for the welfare of all and freely bestowed by nature.
Which issues are you most passionate about?
What is your motivation to continue?
My love for others and my empathy for the suffering of the most marginalized people in society are sufficient reasons for me to continue. My father always told me that to succeed, one must have faith, conviction and assurance. Social injustice and the wretched fate of the poor revolts me, and I feel that by raising awareness amongst the people around me, we can contribute to making a difference and demonstrate that with good will and the determination of everyone, it is possible to reduce extreme poverty, and give everyone the chance to meet their basic needs and live in dignity.
A gesture from anyone can make a difference. Drops of water form an ocean. We cannot merely say this is somebody else’s problem. Let us not think that there are already so many people fighting poverty and that our action will not change anything! Let us not believe that extreme poverty has always existed and will continue to do so! Let us not standardize such matters. Laws, borders and barriers were established by human beings, and therefore, we are also able to abolish them and create a world united and sustainable.
Our efforts should not lead us to discouragement as we must persevere and things will change! Let us use our voices to speak out, our hands to act and our feet to move around! Each one of us must assume responsibility in society and become aware of the magnitude and gravity of poverty in the world. Let us imagine for one minute experiencing the fate of those poor populations living with less than a dollar per day, dying from curable diseases, and struggling to survive! Each new day is a ray of sunshine in their life, new hope! Suffering and the problems afflicting poor countries do concern us. Therefore, it is in this context of worldwide solidarity that we must fight against poverty. The Millennium Development Goals are part of this global war to reduce extreme poverty before 2015. Together, we will win and establish a better world for all mankind.
I have learned in the course of my life that true love is to help others help themselves! This conviction motivates me and sustains my struggle every day.
