Poverty is a devastating social disease that infects many gloomy houses all over the world. It spreads hunger, fear, illiteracy, diseases, social upheavals and deaths all over the place. Many strategies were taken to fight this infectious disease, but unfortunately it’s still invading our world painfully. However, there are serious approaches that can help in fighting poverty such as, equal distribution of world wealth and free education and scholarships.

      An equal distribution of the world wealth is the first approach in fighting poverty. From a religious perspective, Prophet Mohammad and our Imams were pioneers in fighting poverty. Imam Ali ‘s (pbh) priority was to reduce and put an end for this phenomenon, in addition to the spread of justice , mercy, loyalty and the brightest future to the Islamic nation. Furthermore, the philosopher Rousseau said, “You people are lost if you forget that the fruits belong to everyone and the earth belongs to no one.” So, it is clear that affluent people have to share the world wealth equally with the poor ones. Thus, we have equilibrium in the world. In addition, wealthy people can sustain job opportunities to the needy ones, for instance, founding companies, associations and giving chances for these people to have hope in living sufficiently. Finally, equal distribution of world wealth helps in reducing the percentage of crimes. Because some poor people relate their misbehavior to the miserable conditions they are living, they commit crimes.

   Education is a key to success. Governments must provide free education and scholarships for the poor students. These governments must support the educational field financially. For instance, they can build sufficient schools, universities, and institutions. This step helps poor people to achieve their aims in life. So, they become independent and capable to find appropriate jobs .Also, it helps in fighting the phenomenon of child labor. When children are educated, they will be in the right place and not down the streets. Consequently, they would be motivated to continue their higher education, and they serve as a model of the intellects who lead the society to achieve the best results in economy, education, society and politics.

   An equal distribution of world wealth and free education are two major strategies that most governments can be equipped by to fight poverty. Finally, it’s time for human beings to look beyond their little world.

                                                                                            Written by Mrs. Zeinab Hammoud

                                         Eighth and Ninth teacher (Al-Mahdi -shahed)