The state of aid in South Africa is in shambles. Well-intentioned humanitarian aid dollars are actually increasing poverty levels and forcing countries such as South Africa to become increasingly more dependent on foreign handouts. My Arms Wide Open is a registered Canadian charity with a business model that is changing the lives of those living in the most impoverished communities in South Africa, particularly the lives of mothers and children. Warren Te Brugge is the founder and chief architect of My Arms Wide Open. In this video, Warren discusses why aid is broken and how a shift in mindset and an innovative approach to supporting individuals and communities is resulting in the creation of sustainable businesses, stronger family units and community regrowth.
Poverty continues to soar and it is clear that simply giving people ‘stuff’ does not work. Warren Te Brugge, the founder of My Arms Wide Open, explains why this albeit well-meaning approach to aid is clearly wrong. He explains that there is a better way to create opportunities, develop businesses, sustain growth and rebuild communities. He explains a business model that changes mindset - one that creates opportunities identified from within communities and through skills transfer and understanding – one that supports self-determination and growth, enabling families and community members to become the source and provider of their own needs. Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. My Arms Wide Open is doing just that.
Support the communities in rural South Africa and make a one time donation or set up a monthly donation today, by visiting our site at www.myarmswideopen.org and completing the donation form. Every bit helps!
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The My Arms Wide Open® Charitable Foundation, was established to provide support and collaboration with mothers, children, and youth in South Africa, enabling them to build sustainable communities and responsible businesses. With stronger families, communities emerge as a solid foundation for society. In the process they re-engage fathers to repair the family unit. In our definition, mothers include women who are caring for children and include child-led households, working within the pre-teen and teen groups. Fathers include the fathers, young males and adult males within the community.
Manzimvula® is a values-based consulting firm whose purpose is to support organizations who choose to build socially responsible and profitable enterprises that profoundly impact their organizational communities and the individuals they affect in a compassionate and sustainable manner.
