Video #4: Assumptions
Americans tend to assume all physical needs must be met with donated contributions. In Haiti specifically, if a Western hand is offering support, in terms of a water system, school building, or a herd of goats, culture and worldview prohibits the leader from saying “no.” Instead he will say “yes” and agree, even if his community has no use for the product or project or a clear understanding of the underlying need for the project.
- What do you assume about your partner?
- Have you ever started a sentence, "You know what Haiti needs?" or "You know what Robert needs" before truly asking and listening to the needs?
- Do you treat people as projects or friends?
- When you interact with your partners, do they experience respect, gentleness & an awareness of their dignity?
