Bridging the poverty gap

The Christmas journey

It’s a beautiful day with beautiful people and beautiful programs. It’s the eve of the day many are calling Christ’s birthday and the world is in a rush with all kind of preparation for the big day. Inspired, many who forgot their birthdays and other special days over the year also want to merge with this one. Of course it’s the end of the year and others are also meeting up…get together they call it. 

Better still, for some, tomorrow will actually be their birthday. The city as well as at the country side, it’s a buzz of activities. Not like centuries before though, when the city would be deserted and the dense population temporarily goes down to the villages. Notwithstanding, Christmas is here and people are ready and willing to spend. Is it for a good cause as they say or just ‘kupigia mwili’ asante?

 

You know the bitter reality is that next week will be January, one of the “longest months” of the year due to its hardships and the abrupt transition from wishful spending to issue based spending. Remember, after all those new clothes, fancy foods and travelling/touring places; awaits school fees, rent and other mandatory bills with no cash flow be it salary or savings to complement all these needs. We save up so much through the year for this one day and are left in the mercy of shylocks and other mobile lending apps the likes of tala and branch in January who exploits us of our poverty. 

 

When shall we even grow? When shall we bridge the gap of poverty and the upper social status?

What have we in our hands to change the story you may ask. And I shall ask you, ‘what is different form that rich fellow you know up there’? That politician who does not need tala and branch January? He has money, you said? You also have money. More money than me…well no.! Imagine this. 

You buy your son a geans trouser for Christmas for 8-10$ at Eastleigh while he does the same gean, same make in a boutique up town for 80$. You travel with around 50$ -transport, snacks and shopping while he uses that 50 on shopping alone, otherwise hell need more for his vehicle fuel and servicing and chauffer or to hire one for those without, and the snacks, don’t even ask. Probably that even makes your entire savings for the festivities.

 

 How to utilize the resources you have then, is what matters. He uses his like a knowledgeable person because of his financial managers but you can also use yours appropriately without having to hire anyone to manage your little resources. You can use COMMON SENSE. You can for instance take education insurance for your children as well as a medical one. Then set aside some money for food and rent in your account…probably your last salary could remain untouched for this reason. Do not dry up your savings account to continue on your savings in the New Year. This small arrangement will save you of the January hustle.

 

How I wish and pray that this may be of help as you prepare on your new years’ resolutions because I know, a good and hardworking steward starts small but grows big and goes far because the lord’s blessings follow him through.

                                            Happy festive season friend!