Was the Austrain social critic and former Catholic priest Ivan Illich correct when he called development policies, as practised by the Western banks and governments, 'planned poverty'?
Was he also correct to call those American university student-volunteers like those he met frequently in Mexico 'vacationing salesmen (women)' for US styled middle-class lifestyles?
Illich passed away 6 years ago but his radical thoughts on developmentalism have continued to attract disciples. Debt crucifies the poor while Aid provides a smokescreen for western concern.
So should all volunteers pack their bags and get the hell out? Should Bono and Geldof stop representing the continent of Africa during the World Economic Forum and
G8 conferences? Tim and Holli, both ex-pat bloggers based in Ghana have addressed the issue of volunteers living and working in Ghana.
If you are an Obroni living and sweating in Ghana I'd like to hear your thoughts either by email or by comment. I tend towards Illich's perspective, but think there have to be distinctions between different types of volunteers. To be continued.
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