As we get into 2021 many are focussed on solutions to the pandemic situation.
Most are hoping that we can get back to normality in business and home lives without the continuous restrictions and fears.
Besides the priority of arriving at a post-Covid-19 there are many other themes that need attention in our society. Increased violent criminal activity, drug trafficking being almost daily in our news. The population is increasingly discontented with reports of corruption within business and authority spheres.
Meanwhile in 2021 there are still people living in abject poverty. Many still housed in precarious conditions such as depicted in the photo at left. There are NGOs attempting to come to the aid of these unfortunate people but with limited funds their actions have scant results. Housing and rehabilitation needs to be a government priority. It is not sufficient just to rehouse a person but you need to ensure they have the means and education to continue their self-sufficient road ahead. In most cases this requires training, employment search and follow-up until the person is totally independent. For this, you need social security teams, social workers able to treat individual dossiers in the field. Probably a costly exercise which explains why authorities tend to use NGOs for this work. However, when you are dealing with low-income or destitute people it is essential to accompany and motivate them. If not, many will be discouraged and fall back into poverty. That is why motivation tied to responsibilities must be supervised through accompaniment by an authority.
So will we see the start of a concerted drive to get people out of makeshift shacks and poverty striken lives. It is anyone’s guess, with Covid-19 recovery being the major priority our other woes and society issues are probably being relegated to the TO-DO list.