This post concludes some philosophical ramblings about my role in development, education, and prosperity.
In a previous post, I talked about how I don't really understand what "development" means. And the people I work with are just as confused about "desarrollo" (that's Spanish for development).
But "prosperidad," or prosperity, is a concept that people where I live do understand. Prosperity means having enough food, being healthy, having a safe place to live, being part of a community that you value and that values you, and being spiritually fulfilled. These goals are within reach for most of the families we work with, without the need for outside infrastructure or economic stimulus. To prosper, a person needs to have an educational foundation that matches the world they will be living in.
One strategy then is to improve the education that kids receive. And I think this is a great strategy! Kirstie and I support parents in their roles as teachers in a traditional system of education - a system that provides children with the knowledge and wisdom their culture developed from living here, in the jungles of Ecuador. We also support teachers in the national education system, to help kids learn the things they need to in order to prosper in this increasingly-connected and technology-rich world.
But more importantly, our work in Ecuador is dedicated to helping people realize they have the power to change their lives, and to help them create the world that they want to live in. True development is about equipping people to envision the life they want, and help them create that life using their own resources.
We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences regarding development, education, prosperity, and self-sufficiency. Share a comment!
..Isaac and Kirstie..
This post is part of the Language and Culture series.
In a previous post, I talked about how I don't really understand what "development" means. And the people I work with are just as confused about "desarrollo" (that's Spanish for development).
But "prosperidad," or prosperity, is a concept that people where I live do understand. Prosperity means having enough food, being healthy, having a safe place to live, being part of a community that you value and that values you, and being spiritually fulfilled. These goals are within reach for most of the families we work with, without the need for outside infrastructure or economic stimulus. To prosper, a person needs to have an educational foundation that matches the world they will be living in.
One strategy then is to improve the education that kids receive. And I think this is a great strategy! Kirstie and I support parents in their roles as teachers in a traditional system of education - a system that provides children with the knowledge and wisdom their culture developed from living here, in the jungles of Ecuador. We also support teachers in the national education system, to help kids learn the things they need to in order to prosper in this increasingly-connected and technology-rich world.
But more importantly, our work in Ecuador is dedicated to helping people realize they have the power to change their lives, and to help them create the world that they want to live in. True development is about equipping people to envision the life they want, and help them create that life using their own resources.
We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences regarding development, education, prosperity, and self-sufficiency. Share a comment!
..Isaac and Kirstie..
I think you hit the nail on the head with prosperity. I think we live in a society with its values more than a bit skewed. I'm not sure what it will take to facilitate the needed change. In the mean time, let's appreciate that there are a few of us that know that production/development does not equal prosperity. I think you're doing what can be done to help a corner of the world that needs your help. Keep up the good work!
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