She has always strove for seeing the world from the perspective of the poorest and empower them to change their situation. Thus, after studying engineering and psychology and many years of work in the international field, she decided to follow her inner voice and first set off for East Africa in 2000. From February 2005 to April 2010, Daniela Petrasova from Slovakia worked as HORIZONT3000 Technical Advisor and Director of Dreikönigsaktion and eRko Support Office in Nairobi, Kenya. She was accompanying and supporting more than 15 projects in the Nairobi region and also developing future project ideas with local partners. In a short interview she shared her experience with us:What is, from your experience, crucial for the success of a development project?
Development work starts with an in-depth understanding of the situation of the target group, beginning where people are with their needs, dreams and fears and respecting their dignity and right to self-determination. It should respond to the real needs of people and communities and build on their inner potential without making them dependent on long-term outside assistance. At the same time, in development work we have to accept that changes happen only slowly and gradually. Those that want to see results too quickly get often very frustrated. There is a need to persist and persevere and then, if we are lucky, we can see some fruits of the work. Development is a marathon rather than a quick run.
A good development project also needs a common realistic vision that can inspire others, and motivated competent people able to face challenges and move forward.
Development work starts with an in-depth understanding of the situation of the target group, beginning where people are with their needs, dreams and fears and respecting their dignity and right to self-determination. It should respond to the real needs of people and communities and build on their inner potential without making them dependent on long-term outside assistance. At the same time, in development work we have to accept that changes happen only slowly and gradually. Those that want to see results too quickly get often very frustrated. There is a need to persist and persevere and then, if we are lucky, we can see some fruits of the work. Development is a marathon rather than a quick run.
A good development project also needs a common realistic vision that can inspire others, and motivated competent people able to face challenges and move forward.
Does your experience of transition in Slovakia - from a former communist country to a recipient country of ODA and then to a EU member and donor country - help you in your development work in Kenya? Before I came to Kenya, I worked with two large international programmes assisting Slovakia in the transition period. These programmes also provided some technical expertise in form of personnel. From this experience I was aware that the outside assistance is always limited and those wishing to make an impact need to listen a lot, be patient and work very closely with local people who understand much better how things work in their particular context. At the same time, realizing what was achieved in Slovakia during the last 20 years with all the challenges is also encouraging. Change is indeed possible.
Thank you, Daniela, and all the best for your future work!
Interview by Anita Bister and Ulrike Bey.
No comments:
Post a Comment