Paul Smith, Musana UK Director
Throughout the world, millions of people make the incredible decision to use a portion of their income to give away.
I’m forever amazed at the generosity and kindness of those who truly want to make a difference and make a monthly commitment to a cause they are passionate about.
My own family has done it for years – we’ve included our children in the process and demonstrated a spirit of generosity and care with our finances.
However, times are changing – and we have to rethink the way we give. Donations can be great – but they do come with challenges. Giving money to those less fortunate each month sounds a great idea – how can that be a bad thing? But lets delve deeper.
When we give money to those who need support, we are in grave danger of creating a culture of dependency. A handout mentality can exist and whilst the recipient is temporarily helped, there can be no long-term plan or vision to end the cycle of poverty that exists.
That’s why we do things differently at Musana, and our projects in Uganda aim to empower locals and destroy the need for regular support. Do we need donations? Of course! But the money Musana receives doesn’t just help people for a few days – it develops income-generating enterprises that can change communities forever!
Our schools provide high-quality education, our hospitals offer essential medical care, and our businesses create jobs that fuel the local economy. These initiatives don’t just meet immediate needs; they ensure that communities can support themselves without ongoing foreign aid.
True empowerment comes when people have the ability to support themselves and their families. From vocational training programs to local businesses, we equip individuals with skills and employment opportunities that drive economic growth. This means your monthly contribution helps create jobs, develop industries, and build a self-sustaining future for entire communities.
We believe in restoring dignity by treating those we serve as capable, resourceful individuals. By investing in their potential rather than offering short-term aid, we empower people to be the architects of their own success.
Many donors wonder where their money is going and whether it is making a real difference. Because Musana focuses on self-sustaining projects, donors can see tangible results: thriving schools, growing businesses, and healthier communities. Monthly donations don’t just fund a temporary fix; they build a foundation for future generations to succeed without reliance on continuous aid.
Your donations should be more than a temporary lifeline – it should be an investment in a sustainable future. When you give to Musana, you are not just helping people survive; you are empowering them to thrive. You are funding education, healthcare, and businesses that will continue to grow and support communities long after external aid is gone.
When we give money to those who need support, we are in grave danger of creating a culture of dependency. A handout mentality can exist and whilst the recipient is temporarily helped, there can be no long-term plan or vision to end the cycle of poverty that exists. The question we have to ask is if our donation stops, what is the impact?
Join the collective of supporters who are shifting from handouts to empowerment.
Become a monthly donor today and help build a future where communities thrive on their own terms.
