C H A R I T Y

One of my very first days visiting Katmandu Nepal, a shopkeeper and myself sat drinking tea on the steps of his shop, and a beggar soon appeared. He looked to be anywhere from thirty to one hundred years old, he had long scraggly grey-brown hair, and he was barefoot and wearing a filthy garment that looked like a bed sheet that had not been washed for an awfully long time. On top of this garment he was wearing a suit jacket! He had beautiful piercing dark brown eyes, and he smiled in an inviting manner as he asked us for alms. The shopkeeper gave him the equivalent of about one cent. The man smiled and bowed, made one last gesture towards me, just to make sure that I did not want to add to his riches, and then he was on his way.
Charity begins at home - means that family members are more important than anyone else, and should be the focus of a person’s efforts
Beggars can’t be choosers - Means that people who are in great need must accept any help. That is offered, even if it is not a complete solution to their problems
Charity - generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill or helpless; humanity
Organization - a group of people who work together
Beggars - one who solicits alms for a living ; pauper
Disability - physical or mental handicap; one that prevents a person from living a full, normal life or from holding a gainful job
Shelter - a dwelling place or home considered as a refuge from the elements
Jobless - without a job
Government - the governing body of persons in a state , community
Do you give money to registered charities? (e.g. Red Cross, World Wildlife Fund, Green Peace)
Can you name some other registered charities?
Do you think having large charity organizations is a good idea? Why or why not?
What are some of the good points?
What are some of the bad points?
Do you think that locally run charity organizations are more effective?
Are there any charities in (your town/city)?
How about in (your country)?
What are they?
Do you give money to beggars or homeless people? Why or why not?
If you give money to beggars or homeless people, about how much do you give?
How do you know if a beggar is a real beggar?
Do you think beggars should work in gangs or on their own? Would you offer a beggar any job you had to be done at home? Would you offer a beggar a job to help you around you house?
Would you rather give money to beggars or buskers? (Buskers are people who entertain you on the street for money, e.g. musicians)
Would you rather give money to beggars who have a disability, older beggars, beggars with babies or child beggars? Why?
Do you think it's acceptable for children to work late at night selling flowers and singing?
Do you think these children need to be out doing this, or are they just earning extra money?
What do you think will happen to these children in the future? Do they have a future?
Do you think there should be more help for beggars, homeless and poor people in (your town/city)? How about in (your country)?
Do you think (your town/city) should make a place for beggars and homeless people to go, like a homeless shelter?
Do you think it would reduce the amount of beggars and homeless people on the street?
Do you think it would encourage people to be lazy?
What are some reasons that these people would not want to use such a shelter?