I am back home in Canada now, after what has been a life altering experience. One week today we flew back into Toronto and since then I have had some time to reflect on my experiences over the last four months in Ghana. Here is a quick summary of my thoughts for you...
On Development: Development Aid has failed over the last 60 years and continues to do so today. The majority of aid organizations and governments view aid as a means to give things to those without, and it is this culture of "handouts" that is hurting those living in extreme poverty in countries like Ghana. This will persist until aid becomes about empowering people to allow them to pull themselves out of poverty. Only then will the poorest people on earth be able to pull themselves out of poverty.
On EWB: Engineers Without Borders is doing great work in Africa. EWB does not give out handouts but rather believes in investing in people by helping build the capacity of individuals so that they can solve their own problems and pull themselves out of poverty. This approach will lead to the elimination of extreme poverty and sustainable development over the long term. One of the biggest challenges for EWB is communicating this approach to people and demonstrating the positive results that this work is truly having for individuals in Africa.
On Ghana: Ghana is truly the tale of Two Countries. The more affluent, resource rich and fertile South dominates the headlines as Ghana becomes a so-called middle income country and the economic miracle of West Africa. The truth is that 60% of the population work as poor small holder farmers, the majority which live in the north, who get less then 10% of the federal government budget in support, and for the most part live a subsistence livelihood of poverty. Despite great wealth and large amounts of aid from Western countries and institutions, the gap between the rich and poor in Ghana is growing, as the majority poor are being ignored due to systemic corruption and top-heavy partisan politics. Continuing along this path may prove dangerous and may lead to further alienation and division between the two Ghana's. Despite this, the majority of Ghanaians remain positive and optimistic about their future and their ability to forge a better life for themselves and their families, thus leaving one with hope for the future.
On Myself: Having been through the EWB overseas volunteer experience, I have learned that it can be a truly rewarding and inspiring experience to courageously pursue what one is passionate about. I believe that if people realize this and have the courage to live a more fulfilling and just life through their daily actions and choices, that not only will they benefit, but the poor peoples of the world will as well. My challenge now is to continue living my life in pursuit of what I am passionate about, and to do this with the awareness that the choices I make in my daily life do have an impact on others, both at home and in far away places like Ghana.
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