Mother Teresa's Legacy in Fighting Poverty

The Establishment of Missionaries of Charity

One of Mother Teresa's greatest achievements in fighting poverty was the establishment of the Missionaries of Charity, an organization dedicated to helping the poorest of the poor. In 1950, Mother Teresa founded the order in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India, with the mission to care for individuals who nobody else was prepared to look after.

Her work extended not just to poor people, but also to the sick, the dying, orphans, and those with leprosy. Through the Missionaries of Charity, she established a network of over 4,500 sisters active in 133 countries by the time of her death in 1997. They run homes for people dying of HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis; soup kitchens; dispensaries and mobile clinics; children's and family counseling programs; orphanages; and schools.

Recognition and Influence

Mother Teresa's contributions to the fight against poverty were recognized globally, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Her approach highlighted the importance of personal love and care in alleviating the pains of poverty, contrasting with the broader systemic approaches such as those advocated by the World Bank in the 1970s.

While accolades and recognitions were a testament to her impact, perhaps her greatest achievement was inspiring countless individuals and organizations worldwide to engage in relief work and bringing attention to the plight of the impoverished and marginalized, a legacy that continues to this day.