ON SOLIDARITY, GIVING AND RECEIVING
Solidarity is a remarkable engine that gives us a sense of perspective, and moreover provides strong boundaries for the Ego; considering how spoiled we sometimes are as tourists, I believe that this is very valuable.
Its essence is the act of selfless sharing, which, particularly in this case, takes the form of both hard and soft skills, as well as broad multidisciplinary knowledge.
Giving is very much the essence of what Voluntourism affords – even in Kwanda – however, tourists do seem to receive much in return, and most importantly in unexpected ways.
In any case, for both sets of actors, it is only when the essence of giving goes beyond the material level that the real magic happens.
In fact, it seems that beyond the extra bags of rubbish produced during their stay, tourists also leave behind some sort of ‘change’, mainly in the perspective of the locals, a change that is embedded with hope.
Most of all, volunteers contribute to increasing not only the sense of belonging and pride the locals have for the place they call ‘home’, but also “a sense of ownership”, adds Zoliswa, gratefully.
I can see – because I have seen it in so many cases, and in so many communities before – how the simple act of receiving curious and open-minded visitors in the alleys of the village can boost locals’ self-esteem, and how the skills exchange programme can open new possibilities and provide previously unthinkable professional options.
And I can see how selling to those visitors locally produced handicrafts, that will travel to international destinations far away from the village, can increase the sense of pride and joy in having produced something valuable that is appreciated by others.
All this gives much more than just an extra source of income, although usually that is indeed sorely needed.
It gives a positive and much-appreciated fresh ray of hope in humanity, I suppose.
Tourism can really work its magic, sometimes.
Mark
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.