Actually helping

Many months ago I went to a SIM conference at which a lady spoke about the difference between 'relief', 'aid' and 'development'. If you do one when you should be doing another, what is meant to help ends up hurting.

Relief (eg the distribution of food and medical supplies after an earthquake) should be immediate, temporary and seldom. Rehabilitation is the middle way. It aims at getting a person or community back to normal (eg helping girls get out of prostitution). Development is intended for a community which is already functioning normally and aims to improve their lot. Because of this it should be participatory, empowering, holistic, and sustainable. Helpful categories I think.


H/T Juanita