By Professor Dr Atif Amin Al Hussaini
Meaning of salvation
Salvation, in its most basic sense, means the act of saving or being saved from harm, risk, loss, destruction, or any other negative consequence. It can be used in various contexts:
· Religious context: In many religions, salvation often refers to spiritual deliverance from sin and its consequences, leading to eternal life or a state of grace.
· Secular context: It can mean being rescued from a dangerous situation, overcoming a difficult challenge, or being liberated from a negative condition, such as poverty or addiction.
Salvation from the vicious circle of poverty: a comprehensive understanding
In the context of poverty, salvation refers to breaking free from the cycle of poverty, where individuals and communities remain trapped in a state of deprivation, generation after generation. It involves a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of poverty, such as:
· Lack of education and skills: Limited access to quality education and skill development opportunities can hinder individuals’ ability to secure decent employment.
· Economic inequality: Unequal distribution of wealth and resources can perpetuate poverty, limiting opportunities for marginalised groups.
· Social and political exclusion: Discrimination, corruption, and weak governance can further marginalise vulnerable populations.
· Environmental degradation: Environmental factors like climate change and natural disasters can exacerbate poverty, especially in rural areas.
No roadmap to break the vicious cycle of poverty
Breaking the cycle of poverty requires a multifaceted approach that addresses its root causes and empowers individuals and communities. Here’s a detailed roadmap:
Phase 1: Laying the foundation
1. Education and skill development:
· Universal primary education: Ensure access to quality primary education for all children.
· Vocational training: Provide vocational training programs to equip individuals with practical skills for employment.
. Lifelong learning: Promote continuous learning and skill upgrading to adapt to changing job markets.
2. Healthcare and nutrition:
· Preventive healthcare: Implement preventive healthcare programs to reduce illness and mortality rates.
· Nutrition programmes: Provide nutritional support, especially for children and pregnant women.
· Access to clean water and sanitation: Improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent waterborne diseases.
Phase 2: Economic empowerment
1. Job creation and entrepreneurship:
· Small and medium enterprise (SME) Development: Support SMEs through microfinance, business training, and access to markets.
· Investment in Infrastructure: Invest in infrastructure to create jobs and improve economic activity.
· Incentives for job creation: Offer tax incentives and other incentives to encourage job creation.
2. Social safety nets:
· Conditional cash transfers: Implement conditional cash transfer programs to encourage education and healthcare.
· Social security programmes: Provide social security benefits for the elderly, disabled, and unemployed.
· Food assistance programs: Offer food assistance to vulnerable populations.
Phase 3: Community development and empowerment
1. Community-based organisations (CBOs):
· Strengthening CBOs: Support CBOs to empower communities and address local needs.
· Community participation: Encourage community participation in decision-making processes.
2. Gender equality and women’s empowerment:
· Women’s education and economic empowerment: Promote women’s education and economic opportunities.
· Gender-based violence prevention: Implement programs to prevent gender-based violence.
Phase 4: Sustainable development
1. Environmental Protection:
· Sustainable resource management: Promote sustainable resource management practices.
· Climate change mitigation and adaptation: Implement measures to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.
2. Governance and corruption:
· Good governance: Promote good governance, transparency, and accountability.
· Anti-corruption measures: Implement strong anti-corruption measures.
Monitoring and evaluation
· Regular monitoring: Regularly monitor progress and identify challenges.
· Data-driven decision-making: Use data to inform decision-making and policy development.
· Adaptability: Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.
By implementing these strategies and monitoring progress, it is possible to break the vicious cycle of poverty and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
A prayer for a prosperous 2025
As we embark on a new year, let us turn to the Almighty for His divine blessings and guidance. May 2025 be a year of salvation from the vicious cycle of poverty for the people of The Gambia and the entire African continent.
We pray to The Almighty to:
· Grant us economic prosperity: May Allah Almighty bestow upon us bountiful blessings, fruitful harvests, and thriving businesses.
· Bless us with peace and stability: May Allah Almighty protect us from conflict, violence, and instability, and grant us harmonious coexistence.
· Empower our leaders: May Allah Almighty inspire our leaders to make wise decisions that will uplift our nations and improve the lives of our people.
· Strengthen our communities: May Allah Almighty foster unity, compassion, and cooperation among our communities.
· Bless our youths: May Allah Almighty guide our youth, inspire their dreams, and equip them with the knowledge and skills to build a brighter future.
May the Almighty answer our prayers and grant us a prosperous, peaceful, and blessed 2025 Especially for the great land of Palestine. Ameen.
