Tonight we had a really good class discussion about the role of international NGO's in Africa on their quest to end poverty, and whether or not they are doing more good than harm. There's a lot I could say about this, probably too much for this blog and definitely too much to type in the short amount of time that my computer will stay alive before freezing and dying. But one thing that kept going through my mind during the discussion is that in order to really make a difference, we need to give a hand up rather than a hand out. We are no better than them in any way, even though we might have different privileges than them. Black and white, African and Canadian, we both come from the same Maker and are called to serve the Savior, I believe.
Sometimes I wonder, what gives us the right to come here and tell them how to live? Tanzanians have just as much potential and ability to overcome poverty as any Canadian or foreigner. I've seen some NGOs do a lot of good things for these people, and when they incorporate education and create an understanding that leads to personal change, cultural change, and future change it is even better. But I have also seen a lot of NGO's driving around in their nice cars from their nice houses and wonder, where is that money coming from? I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, and I know sometimes I am just as guilty as them, but it's easy to criticize. Bottom line: what's the point of handouts if its not going to change anything or make a sustainable impression? How can we break the cycle of poverty rather than just give a temporary fix?
Anyways, I will probably re-read this tomorrow and wonder what the heck was I thinking, and I'm sure I have plenty of grammatical errors. But if you are reading this, you probably know me well enough to cut me some slack and just enjoy hearing from me. Tomorrow I begin my last week here as an intern before my parents come (WOOHOO) and then a week after that I will be on my way home!
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| Giving Baby J a busu (aka a kiss!) |
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| Me and Mama B |
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| Squinty eyes; trying on I's sailor hat after his school play! |
Interesting thoughts, Kara! I'm sure you will continue to mull through your ideas even after you leave. So are you ready for us? Are you bringing a sleeping bag? Is the driver willing to take the suitcases with books back to the guesthouse after you meet us at the airport? Is it fine for us to stay in the guesthouse on the 18th? Do you have any extra sunblock you could bring on our little trip with you? We can't wait to see you! Only 6 more sleeps! :)
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