As an international development graduate from Trent University, I was looking forward to seeing firsthand some of the development projects supported by Presbyterian World Service and Development. I initially chose my major because I thought it would teach me how to help those suffering from poverty; what I experienced was a deconstruction of everything I considered “development” to be, and a growing skepticism of everything being promoted as “development.” I graduated with few firm beliefs about the subject, a general cynicism and a lack of faith in humanity’s desire to help one another.
This trip to Malawi was encouraging, helping to diminish the sense of futility I felt. I have been able to see the genuine effects of people caring about and helping one another, which can still occur within the highly problematic and often destructive development industry. Everywhere we went, people were being placed at the heart of development.
Beyond the programs we visited, the trip itself meshes with the development aims of the church. It created no illusions that we had come as experts in some capacity. It was organized to expose us and teach us about pertinent issues here so we can share what we’ve seen with our congregations at home. This, I feel, is one of the most important roles we can play as Canadian youth with limited education and expertise. While I now have many more questions in my mind than when I left Canada, I have also had some questions answered (which is not something I had been expecting).
