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      Charity and issues with giving money to people living in poverty

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the role of charity and the different responses to issues related to giving money to those living in poverty.

      Key learning points

      1. Giving money can create dependency, but charity can address poverty's root causes.
      2. The Bible teaches that helping the poor is serving God (Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 25:35-40).
      3. Emergency relief provides immediate aid, while long-term development offers sustainable solutions.
      4. Christian Aid fights poverty through advocacy, projects, and services like education and healthcare.
      5. Lendwithcare provides microloans to entrepreneurs in lower-income countries to grow their businesses.

      Keywords

      • Charity - voluntary giving of time or money to help those in need, or an organisation focused on providing support

      • Emergency relief - immediate aid provided during crises, such as food, shelter and medical supplies

      • Long-term development - efforts to address poverty’s root causes and build sustainable solutions, such as in education and healthcare

      Common misconception

      Giving money to people living in poverty always helps them.

      Giving money provides short-term help but can create dependency, more sustainable solutions like fair wages and education tackle root causes

      Teacher tip

      Remind students of the need to be respectful of each other's situations and opinions, particularly around the reasons why some may choose not to give to those living in poverty

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The Modern Act 2015 criminalises forced labour, people trafficking, and modern slavery.

      Correct Answer: Slavery, slavery

      Q2.
      What is one purpose of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)?

      to punish traffickers with community service
      to deport undocumented migrants
      Correct answer: to identify and support trafficking victims

      Q3.
      Which of the following is a Christian response to people trafficking?

      avoiding contact with victims
      Correct answer: supporting organisations like IJM
      encouraging secrecy in faith communities

      Q4.
      How are victims often controlled in people trafficking situations?

      Correct answer: with threats, debt bondage, and document theft
      through equal job contracts
      by offering luxury living conditions

      Q5.
      Which of the following best describes exploitation?

      treating someone fairly
      giving people opportunities
      Correct answer: taking advantage of the vulnerable

      Q6.
      What does the Modern Slavery Act require large businesses to do?

      Correct answer: report on efforts to prevent exploitation
      donate to religious charities
      hire more people

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Jesus encouraged his followers to give to the , showing that generosity is a spiritual duty.

      Correct Answer: poor, Poor

      Q2.
      According to the Universal Declaration of Human , everyone is entitled to adequate food, housing, and healthcare.

      Correct Answer: Rights, rights

      Q3.
      Emergency provides food, shelter, and medical aid in times of crisis.

      Correct Answer: relief, Relief

      Q4.
      What is one reason giving money directly to people may be criticised?

      Correct answer: it can create dependency
      it always ends poverty permanently
      it guarantees long-term growth

      Q5.
      Why might some argue against giving to charity?

      all charities use donations responsibly
      it guarantees independence for recipients
      Correct answer: donations might not reach those in need

      Q6.
      What is a better alternative to constant handouts, according to many charities?

      Correct answer: long-term development like education and microloans
      ignoring the root causes of poverty
      donating only clothes and food

      To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Charity and issues with giving money to people living in poverty, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...