Learning to Fish

“Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” This proverb falls easily from the lips of politicians, pundits, and policy makers, but it is much more difficult to practice than to quote. Yet, its ageless wisdom is more needed today than ever.

Some people need a “fish.” They need help with their daily bread, a little hand-up to get back on their feet. The sudden death of a family’s provider, an economic loss, or a major hospitalization can knock the hardiest life off track. In such episodes, a small act of generosity can right the ship. And there are those who need to “learn to fish.” They need a whole new set of life skills; a whole new way of living, or they will be trapped their entire lives – and possibly, ensnare their…