The marginalized stories of people who live in poverty

Identity could be described as awareness of self as a unique individual, and it centres on the questions, Who am I? Where am i going? What is the purpose of my life? If one does not know his/her identity, one cannot live a fulfilled life. Poverty has a dehumanizing effects on people. As I listened to the narratives of the poor people, one can hear that poverty has removed their sense of human identity. First, the poor people should accept that they are the image of God. Meaning that they are the representation of God here on earth. People should live their lives according to the plan of God. Second, He gave them dominion to rule here on earth. Poor people should celebrate this life. They should begin to take their place and rule. Governments and the business world should treat the poor as important and qual to them. They must stop making decisions for them without including them in the decisions that affect their lives. The decision-making process should be done in partnership with the poor people. Poor people must start to identify their problems and they must come up with the possible solutions. Viva poor people viva!

Autorentext

Dr SJ Manyaka has obtained his PhD from the University of Pretoria in 2011. His research has focused on community transformational development. He is the founder of Willow Manor Christian Church and Family Counselling and Community Development Centre. He is a community transformation strategist.