We recently returned from a five-month volunteer internship in the rural Ethiopian town of Arsi Negelle. We worked with a non government organization (NGO), Ascend Alliance. We worked to help 20 villages develop in the areas of education, enterprise, health, and technology.

Without running water, electricity, and a lack in availability of education and health services, it is no surprise that when everyday challenges occur, they create tidal waves, wiping out individuals and families. Every day, we were approached by at least one desperately needy individual who would humbly beg for help. We refrained from giving “handouts,” which would just add to the plague of dependence that has become such a crutch to society in Ethiopia.

We don’t boast complete understanding of economic development or the positive and negative impact of NGOs and foreign aid in less-developed countries. Soon after arriving in Ethiopia, Rachel observed, “This country survives on NGO’s.”

We do not want to further the trend of dependence. Keeping this in mind, we have selected a few individuals who we hope to give assistance to. Our objective is not necessarily to solve the complex socioeconomic problems in Ethiopia, but to focus on the individual, the person just like you and I. The help that we give will be to people who have crossed our paths, who have proven that they can be key individuals in their circles of influence. They have no other way out, and we know they will take the gift that we give and expand upon it.

This is our chance to give them opportunities. Please help.