Are you considering doing international volunteering this summer? This article is for you

Let me congratulate you on your desire to contribute to the well-being of others and your willingness to dedicate your time and energy to these causes. International cooperation is a complex and challenging field, but it is also deeply rewarding and full of opportunities.

It is important to take into account several fundamental aspects that can influence our approach and our actions. Allow me to share with you some reflections that I consider important.

First and foremost, the pursuit of excellence must be a constant priority in our work as cooperators. Excellence not only refers to the quality of the projects we implement or the services we provide, but also to integrity, ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles in every step we take. We must strive to achieve the highest standards of professionalism and dedication in our work, always keeping in mind the impact our actions can have on the lives of the people we serve.

However, it is important to recognize that excellence is not a static state that we can reach and then simply maintain. It is a continuous journey of improvement and learning, in which we are constantly challenging ourselves to do better and be more effective in our work. This means being open to feedback, learning from our mistakes, and adapting as we face new challenges and circumstances change.

We should not assume that we have all the answers or that we know what is best for others, but rather we should listen, learn from the people we serve, and work together.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the importance of acting with humility and respect in our interactions with the communities we serve. As cooperators, we often find ourselves working in cultural and social environments different from our own, and it is essential to take into account the diversity of perspectives and experiences that exist in the world. We should not assume that we have all the answers or that we know what is best for others, but rather we should listen carefully, learn from the people we serve, and work together collaboratively to find sustainable solutions focused on the real needs of people. the communities.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize and critically address the challenges and complexities inherent in international cooperation work. While it is easy to be inspired by the desire to do good and help others, we must also be aware of the realities of the world we live in, including structural inequalities, power dynamics, and systemic barriers that can hinder our efforts. This means being willing to face these realities with courage and determination, and working proactively to address the underlying causes of injustice and inequality.

Those who do not collaborate are labeled as selfish, while those who do often face accusations of paternalism, racism or assuming the role of a ‘white savior’

An essential aspect: we must be humble and avoid mistakes. In today’s society, we are the subject of constant criticism. Those who do not collaborate are labeled as selfish, while those who do often face accusations of paternalism, racism, or even assuming the role of a “white savior.” It is a complex reality full of nuances that we cannot ignore.

However, despite these challenges and criticisms, we cannot allow the pursuit of excellence to paralyze us. It is essential that we encourage each other to act, to take the first steps on this path towards global cooperation and solidarity. But at the same time, we must be open to receiving constructive criticism and committing to a continuous process of learning and personal growth.

For all this, I encourage you to maintain a balance between your enthusiasm and reality. Recognize the limitations and complexities of cooperative work, but don’t let them stop you from moving forward. Keep your passion for helping others alive, but do so in an informed and thoughtful way. Here are five articles on cooperation that may help you:

1. Finding yourself, “helping in whatever way” and other reasons not to volunteer in Africa: There are many reasons to cooperate on the African continent, especially in the sub-Saharan region, where development rates are the lowest, but not everything goes.
2. The keys to good aid in a humanitarian emergency
3. Good white man poses with poor black man for a few ‘likes’ on social media: an argument against the fashion of voluntourism and the white savior complex.
4. How to carry out health cooperation in Africa (and how to tell about it when you return): brief round-trip manual loaded with irony to familiarize yourself with the prejudices and stereotypes inherited from the colonial gaze that weigh down our luggage when we work in Africa.
5. Advice that I would have appreciated before “going cooperative”: Misunderstood solidarity can do more harm than good.

In summary, in the field of cooperation, ethics is fundamental. Good intention is a starting point, but not enough.

I encourage you to act, without taking away your enthusiasm, but also to keep your feet on the ground. I urge you to embark on this path. But remain receptive to constructive criticism and continuous learning, with humility.

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