Tips on Serving in the Developing World

Living in Uganda, I run across many young North Americans and Europeans who have come seeking to help out with aid efforts.  Uganda certainly has a lot of need, coming out of a lengthy civil war and burdened by high levels of poverty.

However, the influx of international charities, while spurring economic growth, has also contributed to inflation, especially in land prices. Many local people feel expectations of aid have not been met and are suspicious that foreign aid workers come for self-serving reasons such as career development, resume-padding, high paying salaries or ‘adventure.’

Such issues are unfortunately quite common in aid ‘hot spots’ – disaster and conflict zones that receive intensive international political and media attention. When the excitement dies down, additional problems arise from the rapid withdrawal of personnel and agencies moving onto the next big cause celebre disaster.

Based on my experience working as an aid worker, researcher and journalist in several such ‘hot spots’, I have observed several ways in which good-hearted young people can serve in the developing world while minimizing burdens on local people.

First, I believe it is important to be well-informed about the place where you are going. Research the history of the conflict, know all the major political players, read local news media, learn the language. When you arrive, don’t hang out only with expatriates; try to reach out to the local people and learn from them.

Second, try to develop valuable technical skills that you can offer aid agencies. Having good intentions is not enough – a person cannot eat a good intention. Skills in medicine, engineering, agriculture, finance and accounting, logistics, computing, management, community organizing and journalism are particularly useful. It is also helpful to have some education in international development, conflict and peace issues.

Third, it is best not to ‘go it alone’. Rather, linking with established institutional structures can give you training, supervision, support and backing while also magnifying your efforts through the work of others. Consider volunteering through organizations such as the Peace Corps, the WorldService Corps or the Mennonite Central Committee.

Fourth, go for the long-term. It is unlikely that you can make much of a difference if you fly in and out in a couple months. It can take at least six months to a year to really understand the culture and context of a place. If you really want to help, consider staying for two to three years.

Finally, there are many places in the world that struggle with poverty and conflict but never appear on the evening news. Often your assistance will be much more useful in areas that are not the hot-spot of the month. Consider serving in a location that is currently underserved by international charities.

- Matt Bolton

Comments

[Lauren]

Hi Matt,

I think those are all very good point re: serving in the developing world. Have you heard of www.survivorcorps.org? They're doing amazing work helping and connecting survivors of war in various countries. What's great about their work is that instead of swooping in to help and then leaving quickly, they equip survivors with the tools and experience to become leaders in their communities and advocates for change. They actually just went on a trip to Uganda and Burundi and shot this amazing footage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZnRzxWXVdU

Anyway, I'm so glad I found this blog. Very insightful!

Take care,
Lauren