It is widely believed that rich countries (for example the EU-member countries, the USA, etc.) should help those less fortunate than themselves. Very often they provide them with food, especially as so called humanitarian assistance. Although, it would be better improve their educational and healthcare system. For example, give them and teach them new technologies to grow their own food (corn etc.) and become more independent.
Firstly, take this example. Why is it better to teach somebody how to plant corn effectively than to provide them with corn. The first (teaching) you can do once; the second (providing) you have to do constantly due to their dependence. Although, it’s probably cheaper only to provide food than to teach, but only for limited time (5 or 10 years maybe). The country will gradually become independent and it will not be necessary to provide food continually.
Secondly, an increasing level of educational and healthcare systems in poor countries will also bring a different way of thinking. Currently people in poor countries are thinking about migrating to rich countries because of their poor financial situation. It leads to low level productivity of work, and, consequently, it leads generally to a slow increase in the GDP. So the poor country remains poor. And vice-versa, better education encourages production, with leads to economic growth and wealth. Finally, it makes the country independent and it motivates people to be more responsible for themselves.
Needless to say, there are some situations (floods, earthquakes etc.) when international assistance is the only way to quickly and effectively help.
Taking everything into account, it is my opinion that there is no possibility to stay in position when everyone is responsible for themselves, and it is indifferent if we are speaking about any person or any countries. We are not living separately from others and other cultures etc. So there is the better way how to help to others then only providing food to them.
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