See below some basic facts about the pimple-faced consultant (PF Consultant):
1) Has been planted by donors in government ministries as a hapless spy as part of aid conditionality to meet objectives of Orwellian-Speak International Development projects such as Good Governance and Capacity Building.
2) Recently graduated from a Western university with a degree like International Development, Development Economics, or Health and Policy.
3) Limited actual experience in assisting poor countries lift themselves out of poverty.
4) Limited actual experience in anything.
5) Bushy-tailed, wide-eyed and really naive. Throws around phrases and words excitedly such as "Morocco is insanely developed."
6) Thinks he or she is going to save the world.
7) Thinks he or she is too cool for living and working in Africa.
8) Is allowed to penetrate the Government and contribute to the erosion of the sovereignty of a state, even if it is poor.
9) Has no clue about how he or she fits into the agenda behind International Development which is to pave way for capitalism.
10) Thinks development is an adventure, just like they show it in Hollywood movies.
I seem to be running into the pimple-faced consultant now and then. In fact, it seems every second expatriate I meet is embedded within the Government. This is the typical introduction:
"Hello, how are you and what is it that you are doing in Liberia?" (Me)
"I work at the Ministry of Finance." (PF Consultant)
"Whaaat? This kid who looks like he/she is definitely not Liberian works in the Liberia state apparatus? What the heck? This is incredible. This is part of the capitalist neo-liberal conspiracy to erode the sovereignty of poor, aid-dependent countries. I am so indignant. This is ex-ac-ed-ly what I am angry about. This is ex-ac-ed-ly what SOAS was talking about. Wow! I just had an incredible insight." (Me - thinking!)
"And what is it that you do at the Ministry of Finance?" (Me)
"I assist the Minister in achieving more transparency and building capacity." (PF Consulant)
"Oh God. God help Liberia." (Me - thinking!)
"And how do you build capacity?" (Me)
"I conduct trainings." (PF Consulant)
"Have you ever conducted trainings or have received trainings in conducting training for Government Ministries?" (Me)
"No." (PF Consultant)
"OK." (Me)
"God!" (Me - thinking!)
Babes I see where you are coming from but sometimes trainings can make a huge difference in giving the confidence the natives don't get in the usual office environment. I have come across a training methodology lately that I think is the way to actually build capacity in the long run, rather than burning tax payers money in hosting pretty events at pretty resorts!
ReplyDeleterotfl! your sister in solidarity in being dubious of long term development. more to talk a/b as always. lhGb
ReplyDeletecn