Since orientation, I've been thinking about MCC's approach of "mutual accountability" in service work overseas. I really wasn't sure how the people we have come to "serve" would in fact be accountable to us. I think I'm beginning to understand.
Let's begin by exploring one of the principles of the SPHERE standards for humanitarian assistance. SPHERE recognizes that "it is firstly through their own efforts that the basic needs of people affected by calamity or armed conflict are met", effectively recognizing the human dignity of potential aid recipients. The role of humanitarian agencies is defined in relation to this primary responsibility. Making a judgment on when, or the degree to which civil society (or local state) is not able to help themselves, is probably interpreted in as many different ways as there are humanitarian agencies in Haiti (a lot!).
To some degree, recognizing human dignity requires trusting civil society to make their own decisions (which may include mistakes). This may mean trusting that Haitians will use donations in ways they see fit, which may not be how the donors intended it to be used. As donors, are we willing to accept this? If we provide Haitians with cash, instead of blankets and rice, are we willing to trust that they will use this money in the best interests of their families and communities? Trust provides donor recipients with the privilege of also being accountable. With human dignity also comes responsibility.
4 comments:
I think I often get caught up in thinking that people requiring aid need us to take care of them, and I forget that people are totally capable of taking care of themselves (duh, this is totally obvious, but I can't help having the Canadian/American mindset that everyone needs us). Maybe they just need a little help helping themselves...isn't that why you're there?
Daniella it sounds like your adventure is just that an adventure. As I read it I realize how much of a different world you are now in. Your posts have a positive tone to them and I am hopefull the situation remains safe for you. Keep posting.
Hi Kerri,
Thanks for your comment. As obvious as it now seems, I also had the same mindset when I first came.
As an organization we are very much hoping to enable Haitians to help themselves. We have many local staff who have a lot of input into programing, and we also work through local partners who are very well established in the community. We often try to hide our "blanc" presence, so that we appear to be a local organization.
Daniella
Hi Bryon,
I recently asked a Haitian how he would like people to think of his country. He said that he hoped we wouldn't be afraid of Haiti. Yes, it is very different here, and there are dangers that are different from Canada. Is it really more dangerous? I'm not so sure.
Thanks for your comment!
Daniella
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