Breaking Down Barriers – Part I

By: JBogle

Many people are drawn to Bridges because they’re practical. They create local solutions in different environments. Volunteers are taken abroad to train their peer professionals, empowering locals with knowledge and providing more problem solving tools. They link mentors with young social entrepreneurs and inspire collaborations that start out scary and before becoming the ordinary.

Like most other idealistic 20somethings, I’ve been drawn to the glimmer of international NGOs. Helping people who really need it. Helping people who are being discriminated against. Helping people help themselves.

After attending the Aboriginal Youth Leading Change event, I now realize that there are people within our communities that need this help. Our neighbors and community members need just as much assistance as those on the other side of the globe, which often equates to someone giving simple time and affection. No one needs direction imposed on them. They need to be empowered to determine their own solutions. If we can structure our assistance as a family, from one brother to another, each helping each other and matching skills with needs, entire communities will flourish.

After being abroad I also realized that international NGO glitz may be hyped a little too much. There is a lot of good done by NGOs, but it’s a reality that things operate differently in different environments, and sometimes a business model that’s perfect in Canada isn’t practical in Uganda.

I’m very grateful for Bridges. You opened more doors than you know.