While being here in Karachi, I have noticed MANY people holding their hand out to every passer by. Anytime a car is stopped, someone is either asking for money or food. They are also selling anything they can get their hands on in order to earn a modest living. These individuals range from the youngest child to the oldest grandmother. Some have lost an arm, their eye sight or both legs (either due to an armed conflict or polio). Whatever their situation maybe, they are out every single day and looking for any opportunity they can find. Seeing this for the first time made me extremely emotional. I have seen individuals out on the streets in Canada but never have I seen a 6 year old child, nor have I seen an old women in a tattered saree! As they say in Urdu, Mera Jee Jalrah tha (My soul/heart was aching).

My sadness evolved into anger. Why are there individuals who live in conditions like this? Why do we have individuals who feel this is the "only way" in a world that has made so many advancements in all fields of development over the past several years?

I was reminded of the movie "Slum dog Millionaire, " which I am sure the majority of you have already watched. Karachi is not the only place where this labor force exists. There are many communities across the globe who are in the same situation. It exists in developing and developed countries but to different extents and in different forms.

Upon talking with local Karachiites, here are some points they have raised. There are individuals who continue to take part in this labor force merely because they want to. It is their choice and they want to continue this. I have also been told that "they are just lazy" and "this is an easy way out for them." I have not been in Karachi long enough to tell you whether this is true or not. There may be individuals living with this mind frame but I am certain that not all feel this way. However, if there are individuals that feel asking for money is "easier" then I would like to ask: Why do they feel this way? Is this attitude the result of their upbringing or other influences? Do they feel this way because no one has ever given them a chance to seek out other opportunities? Or is it because no one has truly believed in them? Or have they lost all hope? I do not know. This is a complex situation, in my opinion, and involves many factors. But I would like you to think about this, as will I.

When individuals ask me for money, my initial response is to give them what they are asking for. This decision is merely based on emotions. However, I also understand that giving monetary resources will only solve their short-term immediate problems. It is a quick fix. It never gets to the grass roots of the issue-why does this problem exist in the first place and where do we go from here? I believe we need to start building capacities. We need to give individuals the tools and resources that they need to improve their livelihoods with dignity...with the 'know-hows' so they can feel proud of the contributions they have made to their society and for their families and future generations. This can be done through building local expertise in fields of health, development, economy, etc. This can also be done through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources through partnerships. I am still exploring this field...

The question I have been asking myself these days is: "What can I do to help build capacity among the people I live and breathe with?"