WHY DO YOU GIVE? | Picture This Festival 2018 | USA Finalist

Summary

This video recounts a life-changing experience in Haiti, where extreme poverty and lack of clean water inspired a long-term commitment to bring sustainable solutions. The speakers describe witnessing the hardships of children too sick to attend school and how they decided to take action. Through providing clean water, building latrines, and offering hygiene education, they empower local communities to maintain their health and break the cycle of poverty. Their approach emphasizes community involvement, long-term partnership, and a commitment to making a lasting impact in regions that need it the most.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Experiencing extreme poverty in Haiti is a transformative experience.
• ❓ The question 'What are you going to do about it?' challenges individuals to take responsibility.
• 🇺🇸 Reflecting on the privilege of being born in a more affluent country.
• 💧 Recognizing that water-related issues are at the core of many health problems in impoverished areas.
• 🏫 Providing clean water enables children to attend school and mothers to contribute to their families' economic efforts.
• 🔄 The importance of long-term partnerships and commitments in addressing these issues.
• 👷‍♂️ Boots-on-the-ground organizations with local staff are essential for sustainable change.
• 📊 Community involvement, including small contributions, helps ensure the success of projects.
• 🔧 Expanding from water filters to broader initiatives like building latrines and rainwater harvesting systems.
• 🌟 Empowering local communities with tools and education leads to life-saving impacts and sustained progress.

Q & A

What impact did the visit to the poorest neighborhood in the hemisphere have on the speaker?

The visit deeply affected the speaker, making them realize the stark differences in opportunities and the privilege of being born in a wealthier country like the United States.

What was the significant question posed by the director in Haiti that affected the speaker?

The director asked, 'What are you guys gonna do about it?' This question made the speaker realize they had a responsibility to help and take action.

How did witnessing the conditions in Haiti influence the speaker's actions afterward?

The speaker became motivated to help, particularly focusing on addressing the root cause of many issues they observed, such as water scarcity, by supporting families in the villages they visited.

Why does the speaker believe that their involvement is important in breaking the cycle of poverty?

The speaker believes that by providing access to clean water and improving health, they are enabling children to attend school and mothers to participate in the economic effort, which can help break the cycle of poverty.

What does the speaker find most valuable about their ongoing commitment to the cause?

The speaker values the long-term partnerships and the fact that their organization is committed to making a real, sustained impact in the regions they serve, rather than just offering one-off projects.

How does the organization ensure the sustainability of their projects in the communities they serve?

The organization trains local people to maintain the projects, like water filters, and ensures community buy-in by having them contribute a small portion of the costs. They also provide ongoing education and training.

What additional projects has the organization expanded into beyond installing filters?

The organization has expanded into building latrines, creating rainwater harvesting systems, and educating communities on health and hygiene.

How does the speaker describe the difference between simply donating money and their approach to making a difference?

The speaker emphasizes that their work is an investment in the community's future rather than just a gift. They focus on empowering local people with the tools and knowledge to sustain improvements.

What motivates the speaker to continue their work despite the challenges?

The speaker is recharged and motivated by reflecting on their trips and seeing the positive impact their work has on the communities. They are driven by a sense of greater purpose.

How does volunteering with the organization impact volunteers according to the speaker?

Volunteering helps people understand the critical importance of water in the communities and the significance of the work being done, which can be deeply fulfilling and motivating.