Sponsoring only brilliant, needy children: Double-edged sword

Sponsorship programmes supporting brilliant, needy children have gained popularity.

While these initiatives help the poor and promote social mobility, they also raise important questions about equity and inclusivity.

On the one hand, sponsoring brilliant, needy children can be a sound investment in human capital.

These students have demonstrated academic prowess and, with financial support, can go on to excel in their chosen fields. This, in turn, can lead to better socio-economic outcomes and a more skilled workforce.

However, this approach also has its drawbacks. By prioritising only brilliant, needy children, sponsorship programmes may inadvertently exclude those who are equally in need but lack academic prowess.

Needy, but not-so-brilliant children may possess talents and abilities that are better suited to vocational pursuits. But these may be overlooked in favour of more academically inclined students.

Moreover, this approach can perpetuate a system of elitism, where only the most gifted students are deemed worthy of support. This can lead to a lack of diversity and inclusivity, as well as a neglect of vocational training and skills development.

Ultimately, sponsorship programmes should strive to be more inclusive, recognising the value and potential of all students, regardless of their academic abilities.

Moses Sackie Agbemava,
Presbyterian Church of Ghana,
Dansoman Estates, Accra.