Lebanese-American writer Kahlil Gibran once wrote: "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."

In this world of rich minority and poor majority, one would think that giving only refers to sharing materials, money or food. But in the true sense, giving ourselves to help others is the greatest gift on earth.

And exactly what do I mean by this? There are many of us who do not have money to share, but have hearts that can change lives and reduce poverty and helplessness.

The fact is all of us, at some point in life, had to be helped by someone to be where we are today. Each one of us definitely has something that can be shared or given to someone else. I believe the best gift is one where you give but lose nothing in the process.

If you are a gifted swimmer, teach others to swim. If you are a graduate with certain skills, share the skills with those vulnerable children who do not have. Visit your local school and teach maths, English, accounting or any subject that will empower the pupils.

It is said that if everyone sweeps the front of his gate, the whole street will be clean. Therefore, if all of us do our bit to change the lives of others, everyone in our neighbourhood will definitely be empowered. It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving. Sharing is caring.

Malphia Honwane

Gottenburg eManyeleti