I refused to be part of a group that wants to do some social work
By vanny
@vandana7 (102698)
India
September 8, 2015 2:40am CST
We went to SOS village the other day, Saturday to be precise. The friends I went with liked the set up but felt inclined to start one like that. They asked me to join them. I refused.
My reasoning is, we need to contribute to larger and long standing institutions such as SOS rather than have mushrooming social works. These organizations have faced all the teething troubles, and know where things go wrong. So they have plugged those holes. Be they for embezzling, or sexual exploitation for orphans.
If we start, we will have honest intentions. But we cannot understand everything about orphans that the founder of that organization went through and thought about in depth. Whatever little good we can do, will die with us. Pedophiles and human traffickers will come to the organization like honey draws bees.
Why I think SOS villages is great is there are 12 cottages out here with 10 children in each, and a mother. I have been to this village a few times, and never felt that any of the children were depressed or wanting to sit in isolation. Any crime committed against them can easily be shared among the other inmates, and since they go to school that is not run by SOS, such crimes will be exposed more easily. In smaller orphanages, the child is at risk. Especially after the good souls depart.
In general, I am inclined to suspect folks who want to help little children or destitute. If they truly want to do some good, why not join hands with existing organizations and make them strong. Is it an ego trip, you want to be talked about as a good person or is it sins that you want to wash off. My need is to say thank you god, you spared me that. I could have been in that position too. After all, if all children are lovable, why are orphanages filled with so many whom nobody wants.
5 people like this
5 responses
@allknowing (153529)
• India
9 Sep 15
Good to see you again. You have not changed one bit - the same 'off the beaten track' kind of approaoch. I like it. 
Now talking about big organisations there is no guarantee that everything they receive is spent on the needy, while these small organisations have a direct connect. I have a Trust. I deal directly with the needy.
Now talking about big organisations there is no guarantee that everything they receive is spent on the needy, while these small organisations have a direct connect. I have a Trust. I deal directly with the needy.2 people like this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
9 Sep 15
@allknowing ..giving directly is not the best way sweetheart. You never know whether the person is needy or is trapped in an outfit that makes them beg or become needy. Indirectly, we encourage the existence of such an outfit and make more people inclined to take up such ways to earn monies. Do you know that most of the beggars on the street are supervised by a gang? Why should we give to such a gang? It is better to equip NGO's so that they can rescue some more and prevent more children from reaching streets. Beggars also break their legs or hands so that others pity them, they get them amputated by qualified professionals. Is that what to be pitied?
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
9 Sep 15
@vandana7 If you have the money and do not want fame and glory then give it directly to those who need it.
1 person likes this
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
9 Sep 15
Many people will create their own organization out of frustration. They see a need for it. Either they are willing to do something that the other organization is not. Such as open longer hours. Who knows? I don't help a charity just they are there and a big name. I look to see where the percentage of the money goes to. If half or less doesn't go to helping. Than I don't help. As I don't plan to line the pockets of the person creating the charity.
2 people like this
@rusty2rusty (6771)
• Defiance, Ohio
9 Sep 15
@vandana7 Hopefully the place gets an audit. i bet they do it they don't claim any taxes.
@dpk262006 (58679)
• Delhi, India
8 Sep 15
Your idea that we could join the existing NGOs to help needy children and destitute seems bright
. Instead of starting a new NGO or institution, it is better to join the existing one and be a part of its activities. Once we have gained some knowledge and work experience and we have means and resources, then we could think of starting a new organisation.
. Instead of starting a new NGO or institution, it is better to join the existing one and be a part of its activities. Once we have gained some knowledge and work experience and we have means and resources, then we could think of starting a new organisation.2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
9 Sep 15
What does SOS stand for Vandy please?
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
9 Sep 15
Honestly Ocean, I did not ever ask myself about it. lol I presumed it is save our souls kind of thing. The fact that it was started by an orphan from World War II, somewhere in Europe, made me feel that the orphan knows the needs better than me. Second thing is, the concept appealed to me. A mother with 10 children. I have seen quite a few orphanages, and sisters are there to look after them. But to have a mother like everybody else appealed to me. These women are also destitute and are looked after for the rest of their lives by the organization after they can no longer work. Effectively, it is an old age home too. Children come home, visit their mothers. A kind of bond that a complete orphan needs is developed. He or she does not have to feel alone in the world. In other orphanages, I don't feel that kind of environment is created.
2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70020)
• United States
9 Sep 15
@vandana7 Thank you Vandy. Believe it or not, I got a insight into some sort of orphanage in India the other night when I watched a film regarding these and what happens to the children..
