One of the requirements for participants in YCI projects is that we do some research into certain topics that will help prepare us. There are a few modules provided by YCI which help to introduce us to some core development issues and tools for effective international service.
Basically YCI is giving us some homework, so that we don't get to our project placements and feel completely overwhelmed and out of place. For each module, we are required to write a one page response. I thought that I would use my blog to share what I've learned and my own reflections with all my readers.
Disclaimer:
The reflections presented on this blog are only the opinions of Matt Leslie. I apologize for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. My education is in Microbiology, not International Development and while I aim to present well rounded and critical reflections, I apologize if I come across as narrow minded.
International Development 101
International development is a concept that encompasses: foreign aid, governance, healthcase, education, poverty reduction, gender equality, disaster preparedness, infrastructure, economics, human rights and environment. The goal of international development is to foster a greater quality of life for humans.
Over the years, many organizations have been founded which focus on specific goals of international development such as: OXFAM, The Red Cross, Medecins San Frontiers, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Fund and Save the Children (to name a few). As a result of the number of organizations committed to these goals, there is competition for donor funds.
Over the years, many organizations have been founded which focus on specific goals of international development such as: OXFAM, The Red Cross, Medecins San Frontiers, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Fund and Save the Children (to name a few). As a result of the number of organizations committed to these goals, there is competition for donor funds.
In September 2000, the 8 Millennium Development Goals were created with a targeted completion date of 2015.
Now most development programs fall within three broad categories:
- Charity Model Approach
- Immediate needs with short term outcomes
- Rights Based Approach
- Promoting and protecting human rights
- Strengths/Assets Based Approach
- Appreciates individual and community talents, skills and assets
After reading about the history of International Development as well as reading about YCI's own approach, I am feeling more and more confident in the volunteer project that I am going to be a part of.
The Umoja Centre has been active for at least the last two years, and appears to be running a program that is providing positive results. The founders of the Umoja Centre recognized that many Tanzanian youth have a gap in their education which is reducing their chances at fulfilling their dreams.
By partnering with the Umoja Centre, YCI is helping an established organization increase the impact that they are already having. The Umoja Centre provides Tanzanian youth with the resources and education they need to make a positive change in their own lives. If the Umoja Centre suddenly disappeared, those youth who have received some training/education would still be capable of building off of the assets they already possess and hopefully would be able to find jobs and/or fulfill their dreams. The other volunteers and I will be helping to facilitate change, however we will not be the cause of the change.
YCI’s approach to program design, monitoring and evaluation is one that lets programs grow and change to fit the needs to the community. Emphasis can be placed on areas that are very successful, and new strategies can be devised for areas that are less successful. The monitoring and evaluation also allow for more continuity among different cohorts of volunteers. Each time volunteers work with the Umoja Centre, they will not be starting from square one, they will be building on what has already been done.
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