LEARN 1: Provide skills NOT just finished technologies.

Comment by Josh Judkins on March 9, 2010 at 6:40pm

Great post, Ssozi! I see what you mean about how providing technology can actually be dis-empowering, whereas providing the skills to solve a problem can really build & empower a community.

Comment by Ssozi Javie on March 9, 2010 at 10:46pm

@Josh, exactly.
@John, I agree - we need more teachers. But who/where are they? We are the teachers of our own communities! Lets share the small (or what we normally call simple skills) we have with the wider communities. Take sometime and volunteer with community based organisations. Thats the best way to give back to our communities. :)

Comment by Karen L. on March 12, 2010 at 8:24am

Good post. You make a good point. Good luck with your missions.

Comment by Maria Pedro Miala on March 18, 2010 at 11:05am

Great post Ssozi, I completely agree with you. Most of the times people in Africa have to find solutions on their own to survive anyway so why not starting by sharing skills to to help them?

Comment by Adam Sunman on March 18, 2010 at 11:17am

I agree, although often this is hard to do as the 'experts' often provide a useful external mediator. Many areas stricken by poverty, especially in the Global south are dominated by crime and war lords, often monopolizing local culture and community, and many of these take aid packaged and charity resources and sell them/ use them as a tool for power.

While I agree that they should be able to decide their own fate, there needs to be a way for this to be done without the interference of somebody who falsely claims to represent the people of the community being helped. - Perhaps through a secret ballot, or through a community forum. I'm in no way advocating violence, but those with false claims of power need to be driven out through the power of unity and community solidarity.

Comment by Ssozi Javie on March 22, 2010 at 7:13am

Thanks Karen and Maria.
@ Maria, many people are already doing that (myself included) - we are training people, sharing skills and moving forward! We are getting there ;)

@Adam, you are right. An external mediator would be good to make sure that they evaluate the work done out of the "aid money or grants". But even then, these mediators have to work closely with the locals (these are the people who are well versed with the problem statement - in most cases, they have a solution in mind) PLUS they will help the mediator understand when the "warlords" are misusing the funds! Also participating helps build on their capacity. :)

Comment by Christian Brumm on April 30, 2010 at 9:56pm

Good point! Providing education and knowledge is much better than burning a "straw fire" by providing some complete product or "solution". Such a solution might not even be one, as it might lack the necessary local insight.

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