Thoughts by Vincent Okuja

Africa is a continent with diverse cultures with at least a similarity in educational problems charactarized by poor reading culture and limited access to technological advancement. Even teachers in rural areas show their students picturess of a computer but do not know where the on button is. Its great to help people in Africa but you should not come with the idea of "I know all", you need to research on the perceptions of your subjects/communication differences/transparency. I have had experience with internationals who came to help but at the end they were called dictators which affected their work.Get to meet people who have been to Africa and visit your embassy website to see what others are doing. Trust in africa is different, its based on many factors and you having trusted somebody in your team wholesomely the ones you're helping will never complain but withdraw just so you know. I have worked with various international professionals and students here in Uganda since 2007. I am a therapist trained by americans traditionalism and modernism is my way to go; western therapies are different and you need to know how Africans do before designing a program. Good luck in Africa. Vincent