I also want to apologize for the spelling mistakes. I am typing on my itouch and sending on some free wireless at a coffee shop in Rwanda... Such good coffee by the way.
On Tuesday we attended the refugee settlement in Uganda. It had rwandans congolize somalians and Sudanese. We had the opportunity to break up into small groups and talk to representatives from different nationalities. I was in the congolize group. It was a very difficult day, but very fascinating none the less. The first thing the congalize asked was "why are you here, what can you do for us?" This was a question that took us back for sure. It was hard to explain to them that we were studying and looking for ways in which we could develop communities without being intrusive. Sadly and frankly disappointingly, when I asked how they felt about intrusive development from outside their community compared to self help, they said that they need outside help. Unfortunately the culture and belief of outside help has been placed on them. They expect us to come and give them money and resources, but they don't have the will or goals to do anything on their own. When we come they expect to get money and be handed help. It was so contradictory of them because they were talking about how they feel like they have no hope for their children and their children's education and they cannot be employed. Yet, when we asked them what types of work they did in the congo, most of our group said teachers, nutritionists, lawyers, all skillful workers! And when we asked why they weren't able to create their own schools and health centers, they said because they dont get any compensation. They were not able to see future goals, and were not looking to rise up but instead wait for help. What upset me most was at the end of the session, a man who I thought was interested in my ideas and thoughts on how they could provide their own help, gave me a letter asking for help and money, and was not truly interested in my ideas.
No comments:
Post a Comment