Comedian Nasra Yusuff has opened up about a recent experience that left her both surprised and frustrated. She revealed that a woman she assisted a year ago reached out again with another request for money, a moment that reminded her of how easily generosity can be taken for granted.
The incident began when Nasra received a call from a woman she once helped raise funds for medication during pregnancy. She said she was excited to hear from her at first and genuinely hoped the woman and her child were doing well. That excitement quickly shifted when the caller reminded her of last year’s assistance and immediately followed it with a fresh request for financial help.
Nasra expressed her disbelief at how quickly the conversation changed direction. She said experiences like this make charitable work increasingly difficult, even for people with the best intentions.
Why Did Nasra Feel the Call Was a Sign of Entitlement?
Nasra shared the exact moment that left her stunned. She said, “A year ago, I helped a certain pregnant lady get funds for medication. She called me back yesterday, a year later, to tell me ‘unanikumbuka, ulinisaidia last year’, and I said, ‘Aaaawww, yes, I do. I hope wewe na mtoto mko Sawa.’ Then she hits me with ‘Hata ndio maana nimekupigia, we need some money again.’ Maaajabu! Helping sometimes breeds entitlements!”
She explained that such encounters have made her cautious, especially as she plans to launch the Team Nasra Foundation and expand her charitable work. The rising sense of entitlement from some people discourages her, particularly when they develop a pattern of returning with repeated, non-emergency needs.
Her frustration grew as she reflected on how quickly some beneficiaries come back with new requests. “I want to start the Team Nasra foundation and go deep into charity work, but weuh! Nikikumbuka entitlement za watu nachoka tu. Unaweza changia mtu na umpee pesa yoteeee alafu kidogo kidogo akupigie ati gas imeisha,” she said.
What Does Nasra Expect From the People She Helps?
Nasra also addressed a common misconception she faces as a giver. She said many people assume that generosity means someone can be approached over and over again, as though they have endless resources or no boundaries. She made it clear that her intention is to help people move forward, not to become a permanent source of financial support.
“Most people assume that when you are a giver, you are stupid. I want to help, and once I do, I want you to DISAPPEAR from my life completely, go live a fruitful life, and ONLY COME BACK with a triumph story, not constantly begging and asking for more help,” she said.
She admitted that these situations sometimes make her hesitate when deciding whether to help the next person. The fear of being drawn into a cycle of repeated requests can hold her back from offering support, even when she wants to.
“It makes helping the next person harder because I’ll be like, ‘I’d rather not help,” she said.
By Modester Nasimiyu