Bringing lessons learned in Mindanao to my hometown

 

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     One of the NGOs that we worked with closely made it very clear that, as a Westerner coming in to aid in the resolution in a conflict, it is important to address the needs of the people that the NGO has declared they’re going to help. Of course this seems obvious, but sometimes external groups think that they’re advocating for the other, when really that’s not the case. Advocating for the other without consulting the other inadvertently silences the other. NGOs must work with and support the people closest to the conflict in order to best understand and provide solutions for the conflict.

While in Mindanao, it was interesting and inspiring to see so many organizations that were Mindanaoan born and lead. So many groups were working diligently with one goal in mind: peace. Moreover external or Western groups assisted as a support system or monetary contributor. I think this is an effective and important way to address the needs of the people in this conflict. IMG_3399

This concept has become a lesson that I’ve reflected on a lot lately. With my work and volunteer experience being predominately in medicine and health education, I look forward to taking these lessons and others home with me to be able to assist the underserved populations that exist in my home community. This method of conflict resolution can improve my ability to decrease health disparities that exist between the larger health institutions and underserved Mixteca population that exists within my own community. Speaking with advocacy groups and learning the needs of the Mixteca people can be the first steps in increasing their access to quality healthcare. This ideology has been transferred from what I’ve seen accomplished by local and international groups focusing their attending on the conflict in Mindanao.