REFLECTION 3

REFLECTION (3)

Written by: Zheng Xiao Han (Life Sciences, Year 1)

The video screened “4 Guys Live on $1 per day for 28 days in Haiti - 1

Dollar Poverty” was rather thought provoking. The most immediate response I

had was the feelings evoked upon seeing the appalling state and condition of

living in Haiti post-earthquake. However, the fact was that a large proportion

of Haitians were already living in absolute poverty before the earthquake-58%

live on less than a dollar a day and 78% live on less than two dollars a day.

I definitely found the four guys’ intention admirable and inspiring, they

were willing to place themselves in the shoes of Haitians to better understand

their plight, needs, and how they can be helped. Poverty cannot be solved

overnight and is an evil cycle, which many in under-developed countries

are trapped within. The guys went there with the intention of learning how

to help the Haitians, and came back with a better idea of how they can

help by understanding that a lack of jobs, money, and infrastructure were

problems pervading the Haitians’ lives and preventing upward social mobility.

They converted what they have learnt into practical plans to help by setting

up Poverty Resolutions to promote sustainable help for the Haitians via

campaigning efforts, and raise awareness about global poverty. Sustainability

and global education are two extremely crucial ideas that can and will bring

about the up lifting of the poor from poverty.

Bringing these ideas back to our community involvement project to be

held in Cambodia, there were several concepts, which are applicable such as

steps leading to the implementation of their expedition. They set ground rules

and managed their expectations and fears, while keeping in mind their own

limitations and needs. Similarly, we need to set goals and objectives for our

project, and be aware of the limitations of our efforts when we set off to

Cambodia.

The video reflection was followed by a discussion on two questions

“Is it self-centered to only learn?” and “We can’t serve the community with our

efforts. Discuss.” I believe both questions are highly contextual so my stand for

the first is maybe. Though it depends on the context, I feel that it is more selfish

for an individual to think that he is helping when he is actually benefitting more

from his so-called “help”. However, it is difficult to justify and define what “help”

and benefits can mean. While for the second question, I simply feel that any

effort at all can be considered service to the community, as long as it is carried

out with good will.

With slightly less than three months to our Cambodia trip, I hope the

phase leading up to our trip will adequately prepare us for what is in store.