As a future Peace Corps Volunteer, I can not help but sometimes wonder if the work I will do will actually make a difference. Sustainability is a hot topic for Peace Corps and is something that should be at the forefront of anyone in the development sectors' mind.
I stumbled upon this TED Talk that highlighted many of the problems with development/aid groups. The speaker mentions a really cool forum for talking about (and learning from) failed projects. Check out the website here: http://www.admittingfailure.com/. It's vital to the success of projects to think in a systems perspective - how will my project sustain itself when I leave. As well as, learning from those who failed before us. Integration into the community, pairing you with a counterpart, and (hopefully) working on projects that are already an interest to the community are ways that Peace Corps enables volunteers to work on sustainable projects. Of course that is all easier said then done, but a good framework for success. Soooo...here's the video:
Here is another cool video and a neat project the speaker mentions. If you are interested in learning a new language and contributing to the increased access of information on the world wide web through language translation you should sign up to participate!
I stumbled upon this TED Talk that highlighted many of the problems with development/aid groups. The speaker mentions a really cool forum for talking about (and learning from) failed projects. Check out the website here: http://www.admittingfailure.com/. It's vital to the success of projects to think in a systems perspective - how will my project sustain itself when I leave. As well as, learning from those who failed before us. Integration into the community, pairing you with a counterpart, and (hopefully) working on projects that are already an interest to the community are ways that Peace Corps enables volunteers to work on sustainable projects. Of course that is all easier said then done, but a good framework for success. Soooo...here's the video:
Here is another cool video and a neat project the speaker mentions. If you are interested in learning a new language and contributing to the increased access of information on the world wide web through language translation you should sign up to participate!
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