“The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” (Psalm 34:6)
On 17 October, we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This is more than a symbolic date: it calls us to confront not only the lack of resources but the deeper injustices faced by those living in poverty.
This year’s theme – ending social and institutional maltreatment by ensuring respect and effective support for families – urges us to shift from systems that judge and exclude, toward systems that uphold dignity, listen deeply, and strengthen relationships.
Families experiencing poverty are too often treated with mistrust, stigma, and punitive oversight in settings meant to help: in public services, schools, health systems, welfare processes. The consequence is not simply material deprivation – it is the erosion of voice, autonomy, self-worth. To heal this, we must design systems in partnership with those most affected.
What this means for us (in mission, advocacy, and community work):
- We examine how our programmes, policies or supports might inadvertently demean or disempower.
- We emphasise participatory design: listening to people in poverty and including them in planning, budgeting, evaluation.
- We advocate for welfare systems that prioritise care over surveillance, support over punishment.
- We tell stories of strength, not dependency – stories that reflect agency even amid constraint.
- We affirm that poverty is not a moral failing, but a structural failure.
On this day, we remember Joseph Wresinski’s words: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated.” We commit ourselves anew to resisting that violation wherever it appears.
Prayer
God of compassion, hear the cry of the poor.
Give us generous hearts, creative minds, and willing hands to build systems of fairness and care.
May we recognize You in the face of each person in need.Amen