In the year 2000, the member states of the United Nations General assembly unanimously adopted the Millennium Declaration. This document contains the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are international targets for reducing global poverty. The collective aim of the 8 goals is to lift around 500 million people out of poverty by 2015, thus working collaboratively towards a better future for all of us. One would think that if all these countries were honest with their efforts then a positive impact on global poverty could be expected. The countries agreed to commit 0.7% of Gross National Income (70 c out of every $100). Australia has set a target of committing 0.5% by 2015. Currently it is 0.35%, well short of the commitment made in 2000 along with another 192 countries.

Imagine please that you (yes you, the reader) live in poverty. You and 3 members of your family unit of 6 work on a farm and receive $5.00 for the collective day’s wage. Included in the work group are two teenagers, meaning they are working out of need instead of attending a school. $4.00 is just enough to buy food for your family for one day: this includes one kilo of chicken, two kilos of potatoes, and some bread for breakfast and the evening meal.

After buying food your family has $1.00 per day to cover the following needs: money for rent or mortgage, clothes for the family, repairs to the house, gas or electricity for cooking and heating, medicines or doctors, transport and water. If this were your family how would you spend this income? Can you ever really understand the meaning of poverty? In 2 weeks time I am going to willingly experience this level of poverty. I am going to live on a food budget of $10 for the week. Why? To experience this level, so that when I write about poverty, I will at least understand. I am a teacher so my work day consists of low level physical activity, but I play competitive rugby league, train 2 nights and weight training 2 nights as well. I am under no illusion that I will experience some level of hunger but it is something I need to do.

So, getting back to the comments regarding the commitment that the countries of the world made in 2000. Will they achieve the reduction in world poverty they set out to? While there are many improvements documented the work appears superficial and tokenistic. Most of the grassroots improvements have been achieved by people power generated enthusiasm. That is why I fund and support village based projects. Improvements and progress can be made by us, the little people, if only we dare to. For most of us, 0.7% of our incomes totals very little. What does $5 buy us? A coffee, a pie and sauce or even a magazine? Are these real priorities for Catholic people, who by our faith commitment must prioritise the poor? As a society we are so quick to say that governments should pay, banks should add a levy to offset poverty, or that the mining companies should share wealth. What about we all stand up and say “I will share so others can have” and “I will offer 0.7% of my income”. Who out there thinks like me? Please share your comments.