Unexpected Joy
By: Jenn Ko
Tags: Africa, Social Justice, Social Impact, Media Criticism, Poverty Alleviation

Lack, malnourishment, disease, need, Africa, Asia… the list goes on. These are words that get associated with poverty time and time again. However, they barely begin to scratch the surface of what poverty truly is. Poverty is a complex, multifaceted global issue, so while this article still will not be able to explain it in its entirety, my hope is that it begins to shift your perspective so we can unite in the fight for justice.

The most common perception of poverty is that it is solely an economic issue related to a lack of monetary and material possessions. The World Bank defines economic poverty in terms of consumption, or income, finding that almost half of the world lives on less than US$5.50 per day, with about ten percent still living on less than US$1.90 per day. From an economic lens, poverty includes three different levels: extreme, moderate, and relative:

1.Extreme poverty exists in developing countries with consequences of chronic hunger, no access to health care, and lack of the basic necessities to survive.

2.Moderate poverty describes circumstances in which the very basic needs to live are met.

3.Relative poverty occurs when one’s standard of living is lower than the general standard of the geographic region, leaving him/her unable to participate in the ordinary activities of society.

Additionally, modern media has used certain images and stories to reinforce a materialized misconception that financial and supply aid is the way to alleviate poverty. These images and perceptions result in a dehumanization of the poor and undermine their dignity through the illusions of desperate dependency.

This brings me to charity versus justice… Growing up, my dad took my brother and I to a neighborhood soup kitchen to drop off cans and turkeys during the holidays. We would not actually serve the homeless, we just dropped off the food. At the time, I thought I was doing a lot to help people who were in need. Do not get me wrong, providing for others’ needs is important and impactful. The problem occurs when we believe that these actions are more than charity, and qualify as justice.

Social justice has become a trending term. Currently, there are over 700,000 posts hashtagged #socialjustice on Instagram with tweets popping up by the minute. Everywhere I go, I hear conversations about people’s interest in social justice or when the next justice march that is happening on the weekend. But, what is justice?

J ustice is the act of righting a wrong. It is acknowledging that something or someone is broken and must be restored because every person has the right to life. Justice is about empowering each person to his or her fullest potential rather than taking matters into our own hands to “save” the hurting and oppressed.

In 2014, I spontaneously bought a plane ticket, packed a bag and took off to Kenya. I had heard about Belwop, a children’s home, at my church and after ending a long relationship and finding myself in between jobs I thought “it’s now or never.” Africa had always been on my heart — like that passionate feeling deep down inside but you are not sure why it is there or what to do about it. I had no idea what to expect stepping on the plane alone. I was just hoping that my contact in Kenya was a real person. As I rode in the van through Nairobi on the way to Belwop, I saw big buildings, fruit stands, people laughing and running off to work and the hustle and bustle of a normal city.

Misconception #1: Africa is a poor country with only dirt roads, elephants and giraffes walking around, and children lying on the streets malnourished.

Two and a half hours later, the van pulled up to a brick building with the words “Belwop Home.” As soon as I opened the door, twenty plus kids ran up to me giggling and screaming, welcoming me to their home. They could not wait to show me their bed, what they learned in school, and most importantly the cow that gives them milk. I will never forget the night I took out the stickers and candy I had brought them, thinking this would make their day. As I looked around the room, I noticed “P” [name hidden for legal reasons], one of the boys who was about eight at the time, playing with the plastic bag I had brought everything in. He had blown it up like a balloon and was laughing with absolute pure joy.

Misconception #2: Children in Africa are sad, helpless, and in need of toys and other material possessions beyond the necessities.

Throughout my trip, I was able to spend time with Veronica, the woman who started Belwop in 2005. Belwop started from her vision to provide homes and a future for children who found themselves on the streets. I heard stories of each child and how they had ended up at Belwop. That same “P” had witnessed horrific murder in his family. His father had killed his mother and was murder by the mob shortly after, leaving him and his sister with no family. And yet, the pure and infectious joy that he had did not show any signs of what he had experienced.

Misconception #3: We in the Western world are happier and have it all figured out, so we must bring what we have and “save” those in other countries or communities.

Since this trip in 2014, I have been lucky enough to visit two more times and hope to go once a year. I have learned that our perception of poverty is damaging and leads to misinterpretation of what needs to be done. I will never forget the words Veronica said to me:

“People think Africa is this poor dangerous place, and they are afraid to come. If people saw the beauty, strength and life here, they would not be so afraid.”

My goal in all of this is to encourage you to ask questions, listen to people, and do not be afraid to journey to unknown places before making assumptions as you join the fight for justice. Seek to walk alongside people and see them as equals, not as the helpless. You will be surprised at how much a kid like “P” can teach you. I have only scratched the surface of poverty and justice, and the conversation is far from over. So, to be continued…

Article originally written for Faith Follows: https://issuu.com/faithfollowsmag/docs/issue_5__final_export___single_page___reduced_file