WACD-TC

Our time in class at WACD-TC has come to an end. Like any class, it had it's up and downs. Moments where I was focusing so intently I forgot everything else around me, and moments where my mind would wander, wishing I could be doing "real work" instead of sitting in a classroom. Overall though, I think it was a great experience. I learned a lot about community development and met some great people, both classmates and facilitators.

Alpha Jallow, WACD-TC facilitator and our go to Gambian. Cool guy

What I learned about community development is that, as the name states, it must come from the community itself. I realized that the people best equipped to help a community reach it's goals are the community members. What my role is in the development process is, at the moment, unclear to me. As a future engineer, I'm sure I have something to offer but I am still trying to figure out exactly what that is, and how to do it without screwing things up too badly. Its not easy, this development thing we are trying to do.

Mr Sunkary Badjie, my new favourite teacher... sorry Dr Keenan. He's just that good.

Now on to the people I met, the community development workers, who are also my classmates and teachers. What an interesting bunch of people. We have palm tree climbers, fisherman, young, old, married, single, divorced, married to multiple wives... you name it... we got it. Some of these people have even offered us the chance to go see the development projects they are involved with. We are looking forward to spending more time with them.

So.

WACD-TC.

Wack Tack.

What shall I say?

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What an interesting experience and a truly unique opportunity to meet real development workers and see what development is really all about... or at least get a quick glimpse of it.

Me. Shocked to have learned so much.