Reflections on Development Work

Zora Neale Hurston stated in her book Dust Tracks on a Road, that "research is a formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. It is a seeking that he who wishes may know the cosmic secrets of the world and they that dwell therein." I am reading Hurston's autobiography and she is describing her times of research of Black life in the south. In this particular chapter, she describes the process of anthropology, ethnography and qualitative research. She states that one needs to find a vocation - a calling - that has a "soul in it." As I think about my  growing career, I should avoid things that have no soul, no purpose, and no life. That simply means that I should commit my life to something that has a purpose and fulfills a deep craving in my soul while meeting the needs of the world. Aristotle once said, "where the needs of the world and your talents cross path, there is your vocation." The word vocation is interesting. Vocation speaks of a divine calling to a particular career or station in life. 

Cornel West stated, "don't tell me about your career, tell me about your vocation - your life's calling." I must live a life that has a soul in it. I must, as Hurston described, "tell the tales, sing the songs, do the dances and repeat the raucous sayings and doings of the Negro farthest down." She stated that "truthfully they are utterly sincere in living," I relate this statement to working, living, and learning among any person living in a developing country. They truly have a sincere way of living. 

I believe I have found my vocation. After a meeting a few weeks ago, I had some thoughts and reflections. I think my biggest take away from the meeting is that we should really pay attention and listen to the people we are serving. I realized that volunteers may have great ideas and experiences to add to the conversation but that means nothing to what we can learn from the people. It is more important to listen and hear what the people want than for one to make policy decisions without the input of others who are impacted by said policy. You cannot make policy without hearing from the people at the grassroots level. More importantly, you cannot move ahead of the people before they are ready; wait for them. In this field of education and development you have to go at the pace of the people. You have to listen to the various stakeholders and consider their opinions first. 

The buzzword in development work is sustainability. It's a buzzword because everyone says it but not everyone knows what it means. If they don't know what it means than they don't know what it should look like. It is a term that must be unpacked. Development should be participatory, inclusive, people centered, capacity building, process focused and sustainable. But what does that mean? What does that look like? I had the privilege to attend this meeting and truly understand those key factors in development work. I was able to see things from their perspective and it confirmed that I am making a difference. 

Everyone had a voice and buy in on the project. I was able to see real people that were impacted by policy. Real people should remain in our focus. We must ensure that the people we serve are building on their own strengths. We must empower the people through the process and focus less on the product. It is hoped that there will be some level of continuity with the work we are doing. But we have to remain humble. As a result, we should continue to listen to our constituents who are at the grassroots level. That is where the real change is happening. That's where the real work is being done. That's where the difference happens. There are thousands of people in the developing world who are ready for change, calling for hope, and eager to work for their country. One person can make a change. That person can touch ten people. Those ten people will reach one hundred. One hundred people will reach ten thousand. It all starts with one voice, one action, and one hope to build others! Let's get out there, roll up our sleeves and make a difference. 

The truth is that we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free, the right not to be oppressed... For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. - Nelson Mandela 

Long Walk To Freedom

If you have been following my blog, you will notice that my blogs are not always directly related to my Peace Corps experience. In fact, my blogs are a result of my own personal reflections and thoughts based on very personal experiences that I have had thus far. I choose not to be confined to discuss the interesting things that happen throughout my day or to vent my frustrations. On the contrary, I try to post things that are stimulating, educational, and beneficial to all readers. This particular post does just that. Over the last three months I have been reading a book that has left an indelible impression upon my life. That book is "Long Walk to Freedom," which is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. 

I traveled to Cape Town, South Africa during my April holiday. It was truly a life changing experience that I had to write about it twice. If you recall, my last post was also about Cape Town. However, I focused on my trip to the Slave Lodge and the psychological experience I had. I thought it necessary to write this blog to express my feelings of my trip to Robben Island, visiting Madiba's cell, and reading his book thereafter. Through the life of Nelson Mandela I have learned the importance of freedom of political rights and education as a means of liberation. 

Going to the prison cell of Nelson Mandela was truly life changing. The biggest take away for me is that Mandela and the other senior leaders wrote letters and political literature to younger inmates who were members of the Black Conscious Movement and other organizations. The letters educated the other inmates on the African National Congress' (ANC) policies and goals to pursue a multicultural, nonracial, one man-one vote South Africa. It was through the passing of notes that those who did have a formal education became educated. As a result, those who entered prison with no education received an education comparable to any doctoral holder at the time. 

In essence, Madiba gave back and paid it forward through education while being a political prisoner. The policies of apartheid held him in prison for 27 years. But what impressed me the most was his insatiable desire to pursue education. He continued to read books and pursue a degree when such privileges were allowed. I believe my life has been impacted by the life of Madiba and his desire to pursue education. 

He stated that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. I am now comitted to educate other in the spirit of Madiba. I realize that "an educated man can never be oppressed because he can think for himself." Mandela had taught me that "It is important for freedom fighters to remain in touch with his own roots," to effectively bring about change for his own people. I am learning that 'a degree is not in itself a guarantee of leadership and that it means nothing unless one went out into the community to prove oneself.' 

As I continue to grow, I realize that it is important to be in the community working with the people you seek to serve. As a Peace Corps volunteer this is a great realization. Sustainable development is participatory, inclusive, people centered, and has a bottom-up approach. It is prudent for development work to focus on empowering people to make decisions for themselves using skills that they already have. Visiting Robben Island and reading his book has changed my life forever. 

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika!