The True National Service
There is suffering in Zimbabwe, whether it’s in the cities, the towns, or that rural village kwaNhingirikini. And it’s far too easy to ignore it.
We step around First Street beggars on the way to work. People no one care about, begging alone, starving alone, dying alone.
In any rural village this would never happen, but here in the city, this shining, civilized jewel we call Harare, it happens all the time.
See, in the village, no one is a stranger – and this is what civilization and technology has robbed us of. Community is what makes us a nation, and community is what makes a nation strong.
Altruism, service and generosity make us healthier and happier – this is a proven fact.
It is no use moaning and whining in a nation with barely any social services. There is no point in crying about bank charges and telecoms infrastructure-sharing in a country that cannot feed itself.
There are issues that we, as individuals, can help to resolve. I was constantly whining about change, and the indifferent treatment of customers – I created Consumerizim. I help Vets for Animal Welfare. I created a Facebook group for my old school. I support local music, and buy it if it’s good. I do work for causes I believe in, and I help friends and strangers alike where I can.
That is my tiny little contribution. I am simply showing what can be done if you use your particular skillset, not to try and change the world, but to help your own community in any way you can.
You don’t even have to support a cause, you can support the people giving their time to it. If you have neither the time nor the inclination to sweep the street, buy a $10 broom and send it along. Donate old clothing, send a blanket.
The point is, we each have the capacity to change our nation for the better. Just helping a stranger is a kindness, no matter how small that help is. Do something for someone else, and that person will do a kindness for someone else.
That is how you fix a broken nation, not by waiting around for political solutions, or praying for a helping hand from a non-existent social welfare system.
We need to make a nation of villages, and everything will be rebuilt from the ground up. Lofty ideas, I know, but bear with me.
So go ahead – do something for someone, anyone, and I bet you’ll feel ten times better than you did before.
As Guseni would say …
… for the cow-ntry.
NEW: The true National Service http://t.co/uuX6VRnz9m with cameos from @263chat , @WithLoveZim and #TBDZW #263Chat
RT “@joeblackzw: The true National Service: http://t.co/tZsd2sGSGP #Twimbos #Zimbabwe”
Great post, made me realise that everyone can do a lot in very small ways. Thought provoking!
Glad you liked it … do something 🙂
@joeblackzw first post I totally agree with.
RT @joeblackzw: The true National Service: http://t.co/VKALoNR3JN #Twimbos #Zimbabwe
I agree.Rebuilding our beloved isn’t as complicated as we often make it out to be. It often starts with the person next to us.
Sir Nigel dont you mean the person in the mirror?
I think he means it starts with helping the person next to you, instead of trying to help *everyone*
Exactly!!
Challenge accepted!
The true National Service http://t.co/HPSYkdveL0 via @joeblackzw #263Chat #Twimbos #Zimbabwe
RT @joeblackzw: The true National Service: http://t.co/VKALoNR3JN #Twimbos #Zimbabwe
@joeblackzw Been looking for a way to donate clothes for a long while. @WithLoveZim still taking those? How, where, etc?
RT @joeblackzw: NEW: The true National Service http://t.co/uuX6VRnz9m with cameos from @263chat , @WithLoveZim and #TBDZW #263Chat
@rangamberi @joeblackzw @WithLoveZim You can drop them off at either @BlackstoneBooks branch i.e. Bond Street shops or Sam Levy
RT @joeblackzw: NEW: The true National Service http://t.co/uuX6VRnz9m with cameos from @263chat , @WithLoveZim and #TBDZW #263Chat
@rangamberi @joeblackzw Yes we are…. You can get intouch with Tendai on 0777394414
RT @joeblackzw: The true National Service: http://t.co/VKALoNR3JN #Twimbos #Zimbabwe
RT @joeblackzw NEW: The true National Service http://t.co/8p5zKECGyw with cameos from @263chat , @WithLoveZim and #TBDZW #263Chat
RT @joeblackzw: NEW: The true National Service http://t.co/uuX6VRnz9m with cameos from @263chat , @WithLoveZim and #TBDZW #263Chat
“The true national service” http://t.co/vAyLrTmYWl is coming alive with #Twimbos rallying behind @Axciljefferies and #TeamAxcil *sob*
its legend…….. wait for it