| "Bad development work is based on the idea that poor people have nothing." - Alanna Shaikh, International Development Professional and Author of "Blood and Milk". Bad development is implemented by individuals who are ignorant about the areas they work in. It is implemented by individuals who are not adequately qualified in appropriate development realms. For example, when focusing on economic development, it is important to work with well-read and informed individuals in economics and more specifically, well-educated in economics in the area that you are implementing the project. If a project aims to 'save' a population, you should question it. It's possible that they used improper diction, but more than likely, their goals need reevaluation. Who is that person to believe that an entire society that has been surviving for X amount of time needs 'saving'? International development is dedicated to helping peoples improve their own living conditions. International development is not the White Man's Burden. Bad development is also not focused on the people they say they're helping. If an organization cannot use introspection and use critiques constructively, can you really believe that they are dedicated to the causes and people they advertise? If you want to help a group of people, it is important to take the time and effort to help them in the best way. If this means reevaluating some of your initial ideas or methods, than so be it. International development is not about your ego, it's about the society you aim to help. Good intentions are not enough for international development. It is a poor excuse, not a valid reason. International development problems on based on extreme epidemics, like poverty. Poverty is taken seriously. Eradication of poverty, and thus international development must be taken seriously. Although it takes much time, energy, and effort to produce good international development programs with sustationable, long-term goals implemented by highly qualified individuals, it is possible and it is essential. |
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