Took a break last night from writing. Two friends – IHRTP alumni – picked me up from the hotel and took me out to dinner. They both work for Caritas, a centre that works primarily for the protection of migrant workers. “Sri Lankans” as they are named here, despite the fact that the migrant workers originate from numerous countries. So it is not uncommon to speak of your “Sri Lankan from the Philippines.”
The conversation predictably revolved around our work, and for me it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what they do. We drove near a prison that Noha was planning to visit; she goes there to talk to migrant workers who have been detained for any number of reasons. They may have fled their employer (and subsequently have no identity papers) or been victims of abuse. Her colleague, Jeanne D’Arc, works with Iraqi children who are refugees. As part of her IHRTP Individual Plan, she’s trying out some Play it Fair toolkit games with the children.
As we drove into town, the sights and sounds of a densely populated city crept upon us. Moving through winding roads, we made our way into the centre. A couple of teenagers foraging through garbage bins by the side of the road, a billboard for the “Shoot Shop” displaying guns, ammo, booze and cigars with a man holding a rifle, its glowing barrel pointed towards the store entrance. Expert driving through the narrowest of streets led us first to a brief visit to meet the family, then we were off to dinner.
The long ride back to the hotel left me pensive of the day’s events. The Education team led the activities in the morning by splitting the group into two and having each group focus on two different questions. One group discussed what kinds of personal values they would like to change, while the other group discussed the values they would like to see change in others through HRE. The team had decided there would be no reporting back; it was simply a discussion, two sides of the same coin. I am beginning to value this type of exchange more and more in workshops. Obviously, it is not possible in all circumstances, but if there are enough facilitators (and a manageable number of participants), you can do stuff which brings people to the same point (sort of) by taking different paths.
Speaking of paths, the journey to decide on yesterday’s Education group activities was a struggle. There are five of us in the group, and the previous night we worked past midnight to figure out what we were going to do. Working together, I am realizing, is not always easy, even though we are working with people we have known for years and with whom we get along with. And even though I have worked countless times before with a group of facilitators, it was always done where I was 1) pretty much in control, and 2) had developed the content. This was not the case here on both counts. But despite the bumps on the road, the Education group appreciates each other’s strengths and is committed to success. After a lunchtime meeting where we talked about our challenges, the team moved forward this evening by discussing what they will do tomorrow. It has been a learning experience for me, and I am thankful that I’ve gone through this process with them.
The rest of yesterday’s activities were under the stewardship of the Civil Society/State/Citizenship team, which did a marvelous job at keeping us alert and reflective by engaging us using a constant variety of techniques. It was, put simply, a joy to be a participant. Today was a strong day led by the same group, with a couple of their own bumps in the road. (Note: you cannot talk about fundamentalism and human rights in one hour. But they were good spirits about it and provoked our thinking.)
I have to go, going out to dinner with the whole group. Trying something different tonight, if the technology permits. I will videotape some participants and ask them to share their thoughts about this workshop, then I will try to upload the videos for you to hear things from them for a change.
More later, paul
paul mcadams - a change is coming 