THE EDITOR, Sir:I WAS once an avid donor to recipients of vast organisations found on the streets of Kingston 'begging' for their cause. Then one day, it struck me that this is not good, effective or worthwhile.
My realisation is that I work very hard for my earnings, of which a portion would go to these 'begging' organisations. Why can't they do the same? I know there are the cynics who will say that begging is hard work and maybe it is, but it is not teaching those doing the 'begging' any real values and morals of society - bearing in mind that most of the 'beggars' are young adults and children.
Yes, I do have a couple of suggestions:
(1) Have groups of these people going out on weekends to offer their services to householders and apartment dwellers in the form of gardening, household cleaning, washing cars, etc. etc. I know that there are the wary who will not be trusting (understandably so) to allow anyone on their property, if it is organised properly with fliers and recognised groups - who knows. Could be an ongoing project, so funds will always be coming in. One could even go a step further and incorporate the street children into the programme to give them a sense of responsibility as well as earning power and better their life chances.
(2) Sometimes the working class are omitted from the endeavours of the 'begging' organisations. Again, have groups formed; take them to the ghettos and other less privileged areas. Go to each household and ask them to donate $1 from each member of that household to the cause.
One would be surprised how much funds can be achieved from such a drive. It would also give these people a sense of belonging and assisting in the upliftment of others.
I know this would take a lot of organisation and supervisory work, but it can be achieved. There are several organisations out there affiliated with children and, therefore, use them to do the 'begging'. Think of all the children who will have achieved a sense of value, responsibility and confidence instilled in them through these projects.
I am, etc.,
JUDY ROWE
1B Old Church Road
Kingston 8
