At the forefront of this revolution is Mallence Bart-Williams, a German-Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, activist, and visionary. Her groundbreaking approach, dubbed “SHARITY,” is redefining the way we think about empowerment, self-sufficiency, and mutual respect in Africa.
“Change your channel. Change your perspective. Own your visions of a brighter world. Never see lack, see abundance, always, everywhere, and watch the universe conspire.”
In a powerful TEDx talk, Mallence shared her inspiring story of working with 21 street kids in Sierra Leone, transforming them into successful professionals in law, engineering, filmmaking, and art. This remarkable achievement was not accomplished through charity or aid, but rather through a revolutionary approach that emphasized mutual respect, sharing, and self-sufficiency.
At the heart of SHARITY lies a profound understanding of the complexities of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. Mallence argues that traditional charity models often perpetuate dependency, inferiority, and a lack of self-worth among recipients. In contrast, SHARITY fosters a sense of empowerment, self-sufficiency, and mutual respect, recognizing that every individual has inherent value, dignity, and potential.
The SHARITY model is built on three core principles:
1. *Mutual Respect*: Recognizing the inherent value, dignity, and potential of every individual, regardless of their background, circumstances, or socioeconomic status.
2. *Sharing*: Fostering a culture of sharing, collaboration, and cooperation, where individuals and communities work together to achieve common goals and mutual benefits.
3. *Self-Sufficiency*: Empowering individuals and communities to take ownership of their lives, destinies, and futures, through education, skills development, and economic empowerment.
By applying these principles, SHARITY has achieved remarkable results in Sierra Leone, transforming the lives of countless individuals and communities. The approach has also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs, activists, and change-makers across Africa, who are committed to redefining the continent’s narrative and forging a new path to prosperity, peace, and social justice.
One of the most significant aspects of SHARITY is its focus on economic empowerment. By providing individuals and communities with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to succeed in the global economy, SHARITY is helping to break the cycle of poverty and dependency. This approach is particularly significant in Africa, where economic growth and development are critical to addressing the continent’s pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
SHARITY’s emphasis on mutual respect, sharing, and self-sufficiency also has profound implications for the way we think about aid and charity. By recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every individual, SHARITY challenges the traditional donor-recipient model, where aid is often provided in a paternalistic and condescending manner. Instead, SHARITY fosters a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and mutual respect, where individuals and communities work together as equals to achieve common goals and mutual benefits.
As the world grapples with the complexities of global inequality, poverty, and social injustice, the SHARITY revolution offers a powerful new approach to empowerment, self-sufficiency, and mutual respect. By challenging traditional notions of charity and aid, SHARITY is redefining the way we think about development, economic growth, and social justice in Africa.
As Mallence Bart-Williams so eloquently puts it,
“It’s not about charity, it’s about SHARITY. It’s about recognizing the inherent value, dignity, and potential of every individual, and working together to achieve common goals and mutual benefits. It’s about fostering a culture of mutual respect, sharing, and self-sufficiency, where individuals and communities can thrive and prosper.”
The SHARITY revolution is a call to action, urging us to rethink our assumptions about aid, charity, and development. It’s a challenge to traditional power structures, economic systems, and social norms. But most importantly, it’s a testament to the power of human ingenuity, creativity, and resilience.
As we embark on this journey of transformation, we would do well to remember the wise words of Mallence Bart-Williams: “Change your channel. Change your perspective. Own your visions of a brighter world. Never see lack, see abundance, always, everywhere, and watch the universe conspire.”
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