Today
I sat in on part of a training on responding to emergencies for people from
three villages where Caritas Santa Rosa has a project.
The
two facilitators work on responses to disasters and emergency through a local
coalition of non-governmental organizations, ASONOG.
As
Carlos spoke, I was struck by five basic principles he noted for responding to
emergencies and disasters:
Don’t
prolong conflicts or cause harm
Respect
the culture and customs
Promote
the local capacities
Coordinate
efforts to maximize the benefits
Take
into account gender differences
I have
been very concerned in the last few years in the appropriateness of aid here as
well as some “missions” that come here. Some of these principles speak directly
to my concerns.
The
first one, “don’t prolong conflicts or cause harm,” is basic. In our situation
here, any aid that plays on political or religious differences has disastrous
effects. Here many politicians try to utilize aid for partisan purposes,
showing up when aid come or when the foreigners come to help. This doesn’t help
build reconciliation in a very divided society.
The
second, “Respect the culture and customs,” is critical. One of the problems as
the world gets more globalized is the importation of US-style consumerism. When
groups come with their first world props it’s important to be culturally
sensitive and not set up expectation. Can we respect the people’s culture? Put
more emphasis here on personal relations more than efficiency. That can be
frustrating. (I know) Also, I wonder how many of the fundamentalist groups that
come and hope to “save” Hondurans ever considered that they might already be
disciples of Christ – Catholic Christians. (Excuse my peevishness.)
when
he spoke of this principle the speaker talked about sending trash from the US
(used clothes), or shoes sizes 12 and 13, or winter clothes for people who live
in places like Choluteca which are extremely hot. I clapped in appreciation.
The
third principle is central: “Promote the local capabilities.” Some people come
and act as if these people and stupid. They are not. They often don’t have a
lot of what come people consider necessary. But there is a lot of wisdom among
illiterate campesinos as I have often
experienced. In addition, there are great capabilities among the people. The
three communities represented in the workshop have done some amazing projects –
with help – but with their input. And the people participating in this workshop
and in yesterday’s workshop on financial administration are capable. I spoke to
one group that included a man in his early fifties who had 6 months of school
but the others (including a high school graduate and a young guy in first year
of high school) told me that he was a genius in math! I was moved, partly because
my dad never went to high school but he got an office job because he was a math
genius. I proudly shared that with them.
The fourth
is easy to violate: Coordinate efforts to maximize the benefits. This is often
the case with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who multiply projects in
areas and compete for participants with other NGOs. But I read a while ago
about a case where about ten years
ago several medical brigades went to an area and vaccinated kids – several
times over. They probably did not think about coordinating with the local
health clinics.
The
fifth is probably not as relevant to the groups I’m thinking about but it is
important not to neglect women.
One of
the ways I saw this happen – without planning – was with the first immersion
group from St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames that came in March 2008. We went
one morning to the rural village of Plan Grande which was building a new
church. (Note: it was their project which they were financing; we were
accompanying their work.)
Our
group – four women, one guy, and myself – arrived with Padre Efraín. Men and
boys were working digging the church foundations, bringing large rocks for the
foundation, and mixing and pouring cement. Our group arrive and all except one
woman who was sick started to help. Padre Efraín, Mitch, and three young women
(Nora, Katie, and Marla) started carrying rocks for the foundation. Within
thirty minutes the little girls of Plan Grande were grabbing rocks and carrying
them for the foundations. The young women interacted with the women. . Nora who spoke Spanish spent time
talking with a few girls. The men were amazed at Marla’s strength; she grew up
on a farm. I say that this was a small step for the little girls of Plan Grande
which was above all respectful but which didn’t let macho attitude get in the
way of respect for all. I return often to Plan Grande and they remember that
day well.
Katie and some young girls carrying rocks |
Nora talking with some older girls |
Marla at work |
There
are other principles for bringing aid that could be added but I found these
five very helpful. And so I’ll continue reflecting on how we outsiders can be
here and accompany the people in their struggles for a more just world.
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