I was reading a NY Times article about how the education system in Haiti has been completely devastated due to last month's earthquake. I was glad to see the Times covering a really specific long-term effect of the quake. While most of the U.S. is aware of the international effort to help with the day-to-day needs of Haitians, few realize the long-term consequences of such a disaster. If we consider that higher education is really one of the only ways to achieve any kind of mobility in Haiti, then as a result of the quake an entire generation of aspiring students have another huge obstacle in escaping poverty. It is unfathomable.
But then I started thinking about the "what ifs." What if colleges all around the world could step forward and help with the one thing they know best? What if the rebuilding of Haiti's education system was the priority instead of something to be left by the wayside. What if schools like Trinity, Wesleyan, and Yale (and colleges of equal caliber in other countries) created education programs in Haiti for both its students and for Haitians? Wouldn't that be an amazing way to aid Haiti's recovery. There have been nationwide relief efforts done by college students including Trinity already. But what I have in mind is not just about raising money. I want a long term plan that is not just about recovery, but about the progress of a nation. So that the next time disaster strikes, the government may have more of the means necessary to help its people. But these are just the ramblings of an international studies student too idealistic for her own good.
I love what you are saying here - its called "transformational development," and many people ignore it. They ignore it not because they don't care, but because they think donating money is the best way to help people.
ReplyDeleteIn reality, inhabitants of countries such as Haiti have a distrust of charity - because they realize it is not sustainable. When you accept charity, you become dependent on the altruism and good-will of the donor.
Yet, I must be clear: relief is different than development. Haiti needs relief, and they need money to rebuild their country.
What you and I are talking about is long term devleopment, and development can only happen from within – external forces cannot push development. Currently, the extent of sustainability is measured by the quantification of how much external energy is applied.
Instead, as you suggest, let's teach people how to fish instead of giving them fish. It is important to provide opportunities for people to succeed, whether it be through education, or some other means.
With that said, let's think about politicians who condone trade restrictions and talk about the horrors of outsourcing. Trading with the people of Haiti and teaching them how to survive on their own is the only model for sustainable development.
In short: I completely agree with you.