I quite enjoy writing, and this past year, I’ve enjoyed the chance and challenge of making my thoughts and opinions public through this website. I’ve enjoyed throwing some of them open to discussion and of allowing people (those I know and those I have yet to meet) to follow along with me.
But other people have a lot to say as well. I work with some pretty interesting and passionate people; Malawians who having been working in development for far longer than me and who care deeply about the future of this nation and its people. They have been the implementers and onlookers of international policies, of projects and changed approaches. They don’t need another framework to tell you what works and what doesn’t, they know it because they live and work it.
However, I have noted that the discussions and forums commonly used by you and me unfortunately (though not surprisingly) fall short when it comes to Africans talking about African development. Yes, there’s Damisa Moyo. There’s George Ayittey. And there’s William Kamkwamba. But for my colleagues, who struggle to get access to books and internet at the best of times, participating in these forums is off limits. None of them has heard of, let alone read, Dead Aid. They don’t spend their evenings watching TED talks and getting fired up by Hans Rosling or Jeff Skoll. And as for the information, the news, the stories coming out of Africa, they are unfortunately one-sided… the side of the ex-pat (myself included).
But my colleagues and friends have some amazing stories to tell, and lots of insight into life and development in Malawi to share.
I can try my best to share some books, TED talks, my knowledge of computers and the internet with my colleagues to make it easier for them to participate and to see what is possible. But I can do more than that.
I can let their voices be heard.
For the next month, I’d like to feature some of the voices of my Malawian colleagues and friends, encouraging them to share their thoughts and opinions on development in Malawi.
I hope you enjoy.
Colleen
