the article questions the value taxpayers are getting by sending volunteers overseas on development projects. it focuses on jhr particularly, with a couple former trainers who didn't think they did anything productive on media training placements in africa.
for my part, i'll say my stint in ghana was successful. to those volunteers who had a different experience, i'll say only that i think alot of people go to places without the experience or self confidence to carve out their own niche and win over the locals.
yes, overseas volunteerism is a great adventure, but it's also difficult. it tests your determination and persistence, and it can also be lonely and mentally taxing. you're pretty much on your own, doing a difficult job and living in uncomfortable material conditions. and going for less than six months is, in my opinion, a waste of time. i was pretty much useless for the first two months in ghana.
i think sending people overseas is valuable for the individual, canada's reputation abroad, and the host country. but we have to send our best and brightest, not whiners who thought they'd be catching rays in the tropics and basking in the automatic appreciation of the poor, grateful africans!
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