Money Or Skill

There's one popular saying, probably originated from men who desired to create wealth for themselves, and it goes "Don't give me fish, show me how to catch fish". In our society today, people have realized the importance of showing instead of giving. This is because giving is limited and may not be sustained for a very long time, but one's skills stay with him. While a few people may appreciate that they continue to receive from others, a larger number are now desperate to learn and to have a skill that shows them how to create wealth for themselves too.

While in Zaria, I learned there is a school for the blind and deaf. This school is built to help them learn a skill instead of staying on the street to keep begging. I was told the blind people can't only read, but they knit and make different items that the organization sells to people. Imagine if they were on the street; they'd survive only on the mercy of people who have pity on them. But while they have a choice to either receive money or learn a skill (even in their state), they chose skill, and now they may not only receive but can lend a helping hand to others.

Image generated using Gemini AI

However, money may be preferable for those whose knowledge is too little to learn a skill. I have seen a few people like that who never grasp a skill no matter how hard they try. Skills may not be useful for such people; they'd rather accept money than choose to learn a skill. Everyone has their preference based on their level of assimilation and interest. While a skill may favor one, money may favor another, so choosing between skills and money is a matter of an individual's ability and interest. But when it comes to the wider population, a skill is the best option.

With a skill, one is empowered for life; he or she becomes relevant in society, gains respect, and avoids depending on another to achieve a goal. When one is independent, there's a certain level of freedom and relevance they derive. So if I'll choose between skills and money, I'll choose a skill. Even government values empowerment more than giving out money that does people no good most times. If one dreams of building wealth, a skill will pave the way for them much faster than the little they receive from kindhearted people.