The Genius of the Poor: Englishman's Life-changing Journey in the Philippines

by Thomas Graham

"A heartfelt, inspiring story of how one man has inspired hundreds of thousands of volunteers to overcome the poverty and injustices in their midst"

Young British journalist Thomas Graham was on a short-term editorial assignment in the Philippines when he interviewed the founder of Gawad Kalinga, Tony Meloto. Asked why poverty remained so high in the country, Mr Meloto urged Thomas to ditch the tie and delve into the heart of the matter. “You won’t find the answers you are looking for in that clipboard of theoretical questions. Instead, enter the world of the poor and find solutions together.”

Thomas promptly quit his job, moved out of his high-rise Manila apartment and set out on a journey that took him across the length and breadth of the islands. Along the way, he ignored the warnings of his embassy and headed into conflict areas sporting only a GK t-shirt for protection, befriended former gang leaders, and briefly lost his father during a visit to a prison. Wherever he went, he uncovered remarkable tales of resilience, hope and transformation which taught him more insights and life lessons in a twelve month journey than all his earlier education had achieved back home.

Most importantly, he learned that Mr Meloto’s contention was true: a country like the Philippines, blessed with such abundant resources and talented people, really does have no excuse to be poor.

Genres: Nonfiction, Economics

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Apple Bennet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I just simple love it, Thank you Thomas for sharing this story to us, really inspiring.

[Seanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you look at the poor and elimination of poverty in a different way. I will think about this book for a long long time.

[Cee San Luis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought more of an understanding of what it’s like living disenfranchized in the Philippines and how an organization is helping people in the worst areas how to make a life for themselves and promote well-being. A must read for conscientious people who went to understand what work Gawad Kalinga seeks out to do for fellow Filipinos and Filipinas.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A testimony to real work. Work that honors all people and community, sees potential and opportunity in one’s backyard. Work that seeks to solve problems and not personal financial gain at the expense of others.

[Melissa Chong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good insight to poverty and possible solutions in the Phillipines

[Chrisjohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

#WalangIwanan

[Mike Grogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book ever written by a foreigner about the Philippines. I found myself gifting this book to 10 of my closest friend. A book that inspires you with the stories of extraordinary everyday heroes that are working passionately to make the Philippines a first world nation in our lifetime where no one is left behind. A must read for everyone who loves the Philippines.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had some exposure to Gawad Kalinga (I've visited a couple of villages, and my Dad loves volunteering with them) but I still learnt a lot about the issues and the people involved in eradicating poverty from this book. It's easy to read, and is filled with many interesting stories from the poor, rich, politicians, former gang members, young and old, and people from different faiths and nationalities. The author saturated the book with numerous experiences so it's a lot to take in. But it's a good introduction to Gawad Kalinga and explains well why the GK model has been successful and adopted overseas. I'm really glad that I read it.
As Tony Meloto, the founder of GK, said, "Come alongside the poor, befriend them, partner with them, and you will see their potential. But don't take my word for it - experience it for yourself"

[Robert Vidal]

Inspirational

I haven't read any book on social investment. This is an interesting idea. The book challenged me to see the poor in a different light but also leaves me wanting to experience the same life changing adventure Tom went through while living in the Philippines. I want to meet the characters in person because I feel like I already know them and care for them because of the way Tom has written about their lives . I want to know more. Hopefully, I can see these things for myself in the future. Hopefully, I can also have the heart to contribute to helping the poor. I hope more people will read this book and be moved to action.

[Joma Palana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book about how to help the poor, gained from experience and insights by Tony Meloto's work. Must read for Filipinos who are looking to help address the country's poverty, especially through social entrepreneurship.

[Kayla Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening book about poverty in the Philippines. Definitely recommend if you’re interested in social entrepreneurship (or if you’re planning to travel to the country and want a different perspective).

[Chris Zaens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Filipino proof of concept that social enterprises can lift those at the bottom of the pyramid.

[Mariony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking book. Great collection of short chapters that summarize the principles and roadmap of GK and how they have influenced even highly developed countries. Highly recommended!

[Cheenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring book

[Anne De casa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the kind of reading that is sad but quite entertaining too. It is really a must read for every Filipino.