Looking through The Narrative
The shadow of the person passing by the bus stop is only his appearance. It does not resemble the actual person with all his features. These remain undisclosed unless someone sheds some new light on the scene.
Development work in the Global South seems similar: It is more complex than it appears. There are expectations, taboos and cross-cultural issues alongside the contracts and the rules of the donors. In my eyes, a "working understanding" cannot really be obtained from the conference table. That is where faces are saved. Real understanding can only be achieved by working and living with the people on eye level in the field. It is here where the basis for mutual trust and openness is laid. Gradually, one will be able to see through the narrative.
My observations were the trigger for writing this blog. "Two by Two - Mbuyu Perspectives" tells about my experiences, encounters and perceptions from a field-level perspective. It is written for people involved in cross-cultural endeavours - or preparing for it - and people who just take an interest in what happens in development work.
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