Overseas Development Work Planning

Planning and Preparing for Overseas Development Work

• Planning for overseas development projects requires careful preparation, including understanding potential ethical issues and staying safe.
• Information on aid projects often lacks detail in media portrayals, which can lead to unrealistic expectations.
• Current project planning is inadequate in many cases.
• Volunteers need to assess risks, as demonstrated by attacks on aid workers:
  • 287 volunteers were victims of attacks in 25 countries in 2015.
  • Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Somalia are among the most dangerous countries for civilian attacks on aid workers.
  • 2013 saw the highest reported harm to aid workers, mainly from international violence.
• Thoroughly plan the project, people, and funding before considering personal skills and safety needs.
• Cultural understanding and awareness are vital, as mismatched expectations can hinder project success.
• Understanding the country of operation is critical; research should begin a year before departure.
• Prioritizing health and safety is essential for volunteers' well-being:
  • Common health issues include intestinal problems, mental health concerns, and dental problems.
  • Road accidents are a significantly higher danger than malaria.
  • Ignorance is a bigger danger than many disease risks.
  • Illegal drug use abroad has legal consequences for foreigners, regardless of local laws.
• Common causes of death/injury include traumatic injury.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a major risk for healthcare workers.
  • Hepatitis B is a significant STD with a vaccine.
• Road accidents are a large global health concern—especially in developing countries, with pedestrians and cyclists being most impacted
• Mental health effects of aid work, such as chronic fatigue, culture shock, and PTSD, are crucial considerations.
• Poor planning decisions can lead to harm and undermine the mission.

Ethical Considerations

• Research ethics standards should not vary based on the location of the research.
• Ethical dilemmas may arise, demanding thoughtful decision-making.
• Openly confronting ethical topics before departure is crucial.
• Consider the ethical implications for volunteering in a foreign country if you are:
  • Trying to quit substance abuse in a different country.
  • Looking for a romantic relationship abroad.
  • Unsure your surgical skills are competent enough.
  • Trying to promote politics or religion.
  • Doing it purely for vacation

Health and Safety

• Prioritize maintaining a high level of caution, including: staying hydrated, protecting against insects like mosquitoes.
• Essential supplies include water filters and adequate travel insurance.
• Knowing what to do if a passport is lost is crucial (e.g., notarized copies).
• Consult relevant government, health, and global organizations.
• Vaccination recommendations depend on the destination; some shots should be updated/received before travel.
• Avoid drinking milk unless it is pasteurized.
• Awareness of potential scams is important.
  • Large numbers of applicants apply for a small number of positions.
  • Financial knowledge is necessary.

Language and Cultural Considerations

• Hiring a proficient translator is highly recommended—especially to understand the nuances of the job.

This quiz covers essential aspects of planning and preparing for overseas development projects. It highlights the importance of understanding ethical issues, assessing risks, and fostering cultural awareness to ensure project success. Volunteers must be well-informed about the countries they operate in and the potential dangers they may face.