Personal Reflections on Swaziland's UWC Short Course

One of the major ways that the short course has affected my life is the realisation that people learn more in a relaxed atmosphere; where one can probe into serious matters while having something to eat—an apple or a biscuit, or whatever—and not be labelled as being playful and not giving such matters the seriousness they deserve. I must have learnt so much during the short course than what I learnt in an hour-lecture jam-packed with note-scribbling and zero-questions from the audience during my undergraduate days. The manner in which the short course was structured validated the English saying that; “All work and no play made Johnny a dull boy.”

   On another note, the short course emphasised the fact that there are as many ways to live as there are humans on the planet. We may not like it but that is how it is. Now, directly relating this point to the theme of the course—development—one would say it became clear that there are many ways to go about implementing it. Yet regardless of that, the people for whom the development is meant must be involved in every step of the way. Sky-scrappers and other forms of modern architectural innovations do not necessarily mean a life altered for the better for the ordinary man, especially in the so-called Third World where I happen to live. The simplest solutions i.e. potable water and medical services in close proximity, mean a lot more to the rural folk than tall buildings in towns, which if I may add,  they may never see the inside of. In essence, the short course has helped me to view this animal called “development” as simply a process of building sustainable lifestyles with the people.

   What also struck me during the course and will undoubtedly stay with me for the rest of my life is the diversity of the people who are interested or work in the field of development. I found out that some are just curious. Like a crawling child exploring their newly-found environment, they are fascinated and want to know how it’s like living out there, in conditions of squalor and poverty (forgive me for not explaining these terms). The other type of people in development is those who want to be seen as “saviours”, the foregoing label, I reckon, serving to ease their consciences. This type is aloof and condescending in their manner in engaging the subjects of development. They are trying to help yet the unconsciously shut out other development ideas they do not understand. The last type is the one of genuine people who have the intention to learn not necessarily teaching the people they deal with how to live. They balance their views with the situation; they engage the people and together, they find lasting solutions. This last part sounds very idealistic but that should at least be the approach towards all development efforts.

   Lastly, the short course reminded me that tensions (i.e. racism) and serious disagreements will always arise where people (especially of multi-cultural, social and religious backgrounds) are gathered, irrespective of their supposed like-mindedness and sense of common purpose. Yet that is not a problem, than the solutions we undertake to rectify the shortcomings that pop up.

Sincerely,
               Mark Mngomezulu