Community is a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government and often have a common cultural, religious, and historical heritage. This is the dictionary meaning of the word and the first meaning to come to mind to many people, however, community is beyond a place, neighborhood, town or structure.
Community requires more thoughtfulness and deliberation. A deeper understanding of the context and word is that it is about people. It is the relationship and feeling among people. A good community is a safe, stable, diverse and peaceful place, but most importantly a true community is one with neighbors who value, support and stand up for one another. They assist and enable each other to grow individually and collectively. It is about creating connections that brings about support, smiles and growth.
The reality remains that people are not equal and that access to opportunities differ too. Some people are wealthier than others. This does not make them better or superior to those who do not have or have less. No. It simply means that the better distribution of wealth and opportunities is absolutely necessary. The power of togetherness is that one feels the pain and suffering of a fellow human being and does everything in their capacity to assist and help him/her. Overall, we need each other to survive and grow. The fulfilling feeling of giving others food, money, shelter, education or an enabling environment to be better can also help protect your mental stress, physical health and give you a sense of purpose.
It is important to remember that, performing an act of kindness and giving so others can be happy connects us to others thereby building a happier society for everyone. It is not the duty of the government alone to provide for its citizens, we also owe each other to help and uplift. If we can all just take a moment to think about how we feel when someone gives us their time, idea, money and a chance to grow and be better, is the same feeling anyone you help will have. When life gives you the chance to blossom, be nice to do same for others.
It is worthy to note that, civil society organizations have been critical actors in assisting in community building, poverty eradication, capacity building and general development of people. These non-governmental organizations need a range of resources to reach their vision and mission of reaching and helping people. They primarily need money, but also human resources, material and goods and sometimes free/pro bono services. These things they need will need to come from ordinary citizens who have the zeal to help and empower others.
In Nigeria, the number of poor, disadvantaged and underprivileged men, women, youths and children that we have is overwhelming. It goes without saying that they need each of us to have and meet basic needs like food, shelter, education, clean water, hospital etc. People who cannot afford a square meal a day exist. The joy of knowing that someone is happy and smiling because of your act of kindness is something we should all look forward to.
Participatory Development Alternatives – PDA is one of such charitable organizations based in Ebonyi state to help especially poor women, children, youth and people living with disability have a better life. Our central area is Ebonyi state not only because it is one of the poorest states in Nigeria, but also because very few NGOs exist in the state. Without funding, no NGO can implement its mission and vision, this is why we call on your support to help people in the communities we work in the area of Education, Agriculture, Health, Entrepreneurship and Governance. Make a commitment to help someone today.
To know more about how you can support us, kindly visit our website on www.pdanigeria.org. PDA cannot wait to have be part of its family.