The documentary Poverty Inc. was eye-opening in the way we should aid people in poverty-stricken countries across the world. When one thinks about non-governmental organizations, also known as NGOs, one pictures organizations bringing food and clothing to poor countries in Africa. Until last Saturday, I thought nothing wrong with this type of aid. After all there were companies like TOMS that donated a pair of shoes for every pair of shoes purchased. I felt that companies like TOMS were making a huge difference in the world and I was glad that so many people supported the cause by purchasing the company’s shoes.

It wasn’t until watching Poverty Inc. that I realized my mindset regarding aiding the poor was completely wrong. The documentary highlighted the negative effects of simply handing out supplies to poverty-stricken countries. For one, this type of aid hurts businesses in those countries selling those supplies. So what is an alternative that would make an actual difference? The documentary recommends NGOs support local businesses and focus on the resources the country has to offer. For example, the continent of Africa is oil-rich but many countries don’t take advantage of these resources and they do not put their resources on the market. By helping to establish businesses, NGOs would help foster a healthy economy so that the people will be able to afford their own supplies and in return help one another in their business ventures.

The only concern I have for establishing businesses would be poor working conditions. In many countries, companies set up “sweatshops” filled with children sometimes and have extremely dangerous working conditions. When helping to start up new businesses I think it would be important for NGOs to go to the local government to make sure regulations are in place to protect the safety and well-being of the workers.