“3 Feet”

“3 Feet”

This week’s class has been one of my favorite thus far and I feel as if I will be continuing to say this throughout the duration of the semester for many reasons. The guest speakers were such power houses of individuals both in their set of experiences and the humanism they brought to their work.

As I sat and listened, I reflected on books I have read in the past specifically a book entitled “So Far from Home” by Margaret Wheatley (2012). It’s a great read and certainly makes you reflect on intentions of working within the Global Health field; however, within the very first chapter, she mentions South Africa and how it too (similar to Dr. Sanjana Bhardwaj, Chief of Health and Nutrition UNICEF South Africa) inspired her how much they have shown to be so committed to social change. NGOs work tirelessly in their initiatives with such passion, so much so that Wheatley calls them warriors. However, as Dr. Bhardwaj mentioned, government, corruption, and limited funds are all reasons why they struggle for hope and what Wheatley describes as “justice being the fallen victim to the self-serving behaviors of those with power” (Wheatley, 2012, pp.6). Unfortunately, I cannot help but wonder if, how and how much so, does Neoliberalism come into play here?  I really don’t have that answer as it would take extensive amount of time in that environment to fully understand the big picture. But it got me reflecting on questions that perhaps you all can shed some light on as to what your thoughts are!

How and where do we draw the line for Neoliberalism? Who decides on this line? Does some degree of Neoliberalism go hand in hand with decolonization?

Either way Dr. Bhardwaj expressed it beautifully and Wheatley eludes to it too in her book: the continuous surprise comes from how the sense of hope from local “3 feet to the ground” (Dr.Bhardwaj, in conversation, 2016) individuals continue to have, no matter the circumstances before them is truly inspirational. I too hope to carry this lesson forward as I pursue the global health field in no matter the capacity, knowing that I can continue to learn as I move and be humbled by these warriors with each and every encounter.

Reference:

Wheatley, M. (2012). So Far From Home. San Francisco, CA: Berrett- Koehler.

Text Found here if interested: http://www.bkconnection.com/static/So_Far_From_Home_EXCERPT.pdf