Having worked previously for the United Nations and The World Bank (mostly in Africa and Asia), I am particularly cognisant of the sensitivity around "slum tourism" and the negative connotations around fly-in fly-out aid worker wannabees.
While the intent is obviously to contribute and make a real difference, we should nevertheless acknowledge that we are only on the ground for a short period of time. What we can do in a week is not even a drop in the ocean and to have a longer lasting impact will require sustained involvement.
It won't be amiss to also acknowledge that there is an inherently selfish element in this trip as I am essentially drawing on the plight of the people of Baseco to educate my son and to show him how fortunate we are to lead the life that we do back in Australia. This does sit uneasy with me as it seems condescending (no matter how un-intentional).
I would like this trip to deeply challenge how we think about many issues around poverty, aid, and privilege.
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