What I'm doing can potentially make the world worse; reflections from school

"We're richer and more powerful than you, so you better listen to our advice on how to not be poor"

My local volunteer buddy's English class in Tanzania

Development can be detrimental  and perpetuate all the things wrong with the world also. Everyone who were quick to compliment me on this "noble cause" might not have warranted that compliment so quickly had they known it might even further destruction...

This "Western Saviour Complex" is a struggle that development practitioners encounter. How does the Western world help a poor country without repeating colonial history?

Or more academically; how do we not appear hegemonic, neo-colonialist, and de-meaning to the people that we are there to help. Not all noble actions are without consequence and in this case, perhaps, deliberate actions to keep them poor. 

Mozambique as a world example

Take Mozambique as an example, in 1975 after they won independence from Portugal, WHO (World Health Organization; a branch of the UN) declared their health care system should be a model upon which all other are based in the developing world. By 1980's they have established 1,200 rural health posts, 8000 health workers were trained, and 11% of the government budget was committed to health care. And then the Rhodesia war broke out.

Enter the IMF and their crusade to develop the poor

By 1987, Mozambique adopted an IMF Structural Adjusted Program (SAP). For those who don't

Back at it!

My students in Tanzania during my placement

It's been a while since my last post. And it was about due for the next one. Just to play catch up, I started Masters in Development Practice at University of Waterloo... that's about it!

Remember how I said I wanted to start travelling with a purpose... well, here's my working toward it!

Travelling and exploring the world took hold of me at a young age. My sense of adventure took me through Europe while in undergrad. International Development and Relief and Aid Work popped onto my radar when I was working in South Korea when Mt. Merapi exploded in Indonesia in 2010. As I was taking a trip down there in the next week, I looked to see if there was any way I can help out the communities that were affected. While there, I asked locals how I can contribute. But ultimately, to my failing, I couldn’t find anyway to help. Questions about how to engage myself, how to travel with a purpose, and personal philosophies of my participation as a global citizen came up. This began my journey and exploration into development.

Interview with a World Traveller

Just recently I was interviewed on ArtSocket and oringally published here. I was asked 21 questions about my travels. Below is the re-produced interview which was published from their blog.

Ian in the Everest Mountain Range

Art is a journey. Same-old is the opposite of creativity. Every single artist, musician and photographer that I know longs to discover something new - and what is a better way to do that than to go somewhere far far away?

Meet Ian Chow, my friend and someone I look up to when it comes to actually going to places most people only dream about. He is here to share his wisdom and experiences about being far far away from home.

Where are you now?

Currently, I’m back home in Toronto.

How many countries have you visited so far? How many cities?

17 or so countries and far too many cities to even care to count. Some countries though are weird, like Hong Kong, is that China or not? Or North Korea and South Korea, is that ONE Korea or not?

What? Tanzania isn't poor at all!

The artist

"Do you want paintings? Very cheap price for you!" He said. I was volunteering in Stone Town in Zanzibar in Tanzania, East Africa.

This is the gazillionth time I've been approached by touters trying to make a quick buck at unsuspecting tourists. Who knows the actual prices of these paintings?

"How much is cheap?" He offered a price. I couldn't remember what it is now. Nor does it matter. "And what is it painted on?" After all, my degree was in Art History, big help that was in landing a career. 

"Banana leaves!" He exclaimed. Ok. That's pretty interesting. Trying to get out of the tout, I humoured him. 

"Do you have the big 5? And a big painting of it on banana leaves?" He explained that he could search for it. With sincerity. He also explained that his grandfather painted them, who knows if that was true.

My students work and my current life

Focus Group Discussion with community members

In the shade, under a huge tree of an unknown name (to me atleast), in the courtyard of a school in Paje, Zanzibar, Tanzania, my students begin their practice community assessment. On my side of things, it was a bit of a scramble to coordinate the placements with my Program Director between the students local NGO partner (ZANGOC) and the community leaders.

"Karibuni, you are most welcome to your village. Please come follow. Very welcome" The Sheha (village elder) lead Christine, my partner in crime volunteer buddy, and me to the court yard where the meeting will take place. All the village representatives were there from each part of the village. 

"What do you do?" I get asked a lot these days.

In short, I'm in an vulnerable country teaching students about grant proposal writing while coordinating their practicums in different communities on Zanzibar. This will eventually give them the life skills in community assessment and community empowerment. This helps to alleviate and improve several different aspects of their lives in the community. I guess that's not very short.