Children of the Philippines

People who know me, know that I am interested in leadership, in ‘learning by doing’, in training and supporting children for the labor market, and, above all, the poor people around us.

Allow me to go back to my elementary school years: we collected money every year for children who were worse off than us. We saw that other children had so little. So, we went around with our donation box (which was still around back then) and begged all the adults we knew for money.

But the most important thing to us was how much of our own pocket money we put into the box. It was only small amounts, but it meant we had to forgo buying candy – and we were very proud of it. I still remember that feeling today.

At that time, I thought it should always be like that.

Then, however, you grow up and forget many things that were important to you as a child.

I made a career in traditional business, not exactly the embodiment of social giving. But the memory of the good feeling of giving has stayed with me.

I am aware that there are many ways to contribute to others outside of work. But a volunteer role in a sports or neighborhood organization mainly means taking regular time. During certain life stages, when job and family already make every day too short, there’s often not much left for that.

Then, a financial donation is often the only option if you want to give something back.

However, this requires that donations are as unallocated as possible.

What always frustrates me: While people with higher incomes donate more in absolute terms than those with lower incomes (of course, they have more), relative to their income, the poorer are much more generous than the rich.

Giving money to others when you have little to spare is a much bigger step than being generous when your own consumption isn’t affected.

Don’t get me wrong, every peso counts. But the excuses I hear while raising funds (I now do this without a donation box!) really leave me speechless. People come up with incredibly creative stories about why they have nothing left, while visible money is available for the latest handbag or the fifth watch from the luxury segment.

My fundraising activities are sometimes sobering. Reality also includes the fact that not all self-proclaimed philanthropists contribute to the redistribution of wealth between the rich and poor. Often, donation money flows where it benefits the donors themselves. Donations to elite universities or private schools often benefit their own children – not those who don't have access to good education.

The new year is already a few weeks old. Maybe you’ve already thrown your New Year's resolutions out the window or didn’t have any? Then take these lines as an opportunity to get involved as a volunteer or regularly donate a certain amount to an organization of your choice in the new year. Unallocated, of course.

One percent of your net salary is considered a reasonable benchmark. And if you calculate it and think: "What, that much?" Then you can start with half a percent of your net income – donations for beginners, so to speak.

I assure you: it will feel good.

Remember: the children deserve a future. Young people are not just our future. They are key to creating a just, peaceful, prosperous and democratic world just now.

In other words, support the children of the Philippines. They deserve it!!!! If you need recommendation concerning organizations who have the support of children as one of their objectives, contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com