Sirolli's Solution: Shut Up

Why did my school’s journalism group produce two school newspapers and then crash and burn? Because it wasn’t what the students wanted. 

Day 1 of The Daily Macarena

Day 85 of The Daily Macarena

Why did my soccer team practice for two years, and scrimmage even when I wasn’t in town? Because it was what the girls wanted.

After hearing so many criticisms of foreign aid, and wondering for two years what right I have to think I can actually improve this community assigned to me, Ernesto Sirolli’s talk spoke to why aid so often doesn’t work, including Peace Corps work, and what can be done differently.

Looking back with Sirolli's ideas in mind, it makes more sense to me as to why the journalism project – an idea one of the teachers had and told kids to do – ultimately fizzled out, while the soccer team – which the girls came to me themselves and asked for – stayed strong.

What does Sirolli say to do?

He says, SHUT UP.

Too often, Sirolli says, we (as Peace Corps Volunteers, aid workers, NGOs) we enter a community and tell them what to do. It’s no wonder so many projects fail, don’t have the intended consequences, or end up hurting more than they are helping. Those projects don't address the interests and passions of the people we're actually working for.

You can hear his talk here:

What we really should be doing is closing our flapping lips and opening our ears.