Lima, Peru, is like any other big city in any other developing nation. A concrete jungle with heavy traffic and the hustle and bustle of every day life. The global brands have blurred the cultural lines, with fast-food signs and electronic hoardings making it look like any big city, anywhere in the world.
The group had the privilege to listen to the CEO of SDF – one of the largest producers of acrylic and textile fibers in the America’s. After an insight into his growth strategy, he spoke with resolve about why God gave us two hands. One to take ‘profit’ from the customers, and the other to give back to the Peruvian people as a socially responsible act. What resonated with me was his approach.
“Giving them food and money does not solve the problem,” he said. Instead, he focuses his energy on education these poor people — most who live on less than $10 a day. He focuses on teaching them self sufficiency, by giving them fiber, and teaching them skills, so they could use it to create local handicraft. He also helps create micro enterprises for weaving, that gives the poor a chance in life.
I like this two hand approach. More of us need to do learn to do more for those less fortunate. Writing a check is the easy part. Teaching skills and building self worth in people takes a lot more time, and a whole lot of heart. Besides, it takes both hands to really make a meaningful difference.
About Hemant Rustogi