alexcottin

“How can you build peace with empty stomachs?” This trenchant question, raised by Rajendra, Acting Country Director of Search For Common Ground – Nepal, has been stuck in my head, wedged somewhere between a number of additional unanswered questions, a healthy level of frustration as well as a deep level of admiration and appreciation. As is often times the case lately, it seems, I find myself conflicted, confused and crippled by doubts of progress. Yet somewhere in this vast sea of uncertainty, lies a profound level of respect for the tireless work of several groups as well as the genuine desire of a number of Nepalese, to rebuild their country. With flawless English diction and pronunciation, I’ve heard, across Nepal, a cacophony of local voices emphatically stating that indeed, there is always a silver ... read more

Sipping champagne in business class on the last leg of a marathon trip around the world, on my way back from surprising my best friend on his wedding day, I can't help but giggle! First allow me to quickly clarify - The free upgrade to business class was by no means expected! I can only imagine that the kind Cathay Pacific agent checking me in must have genuinely felt sorry for me (or most likely thought I was insane) given the ridiculous amount of traveling for less than 24 hours in New York... Whatever the reason, I'll take it! Let this also be an official disc... read more

Mingling around the tastefully-decorated and dimly-lit Egyptian restaurant, where we feasted on local delicacies with our new friends, it’s hard to believe we’ve only been here for four days. It seems like only a few hours ago, we were discussing Moroccan politics while being treated to delicious mint tea, which flowed like water from Rabat to Casablanca. Though the pervasive generosity among the people of North Africa certainly transcends borders, the uniqueness of the Egyptian culture highlights the countless nuances of a beautiful region, which we’ve only begun to explore. Alas, tonight, our time in this fascinating country is coming to a close. Yet, looking around, judging from the palpable level of laughter and excitement, it seems we’ve been here for much longer. One should never underestimate the socially-cohesive power of a well-seasoned roasted pigeon stuffed ... read more

“The greatest problem with communication,” George Shaw writes, “is the illusion that it has taken place.” I had come across this quote several times in the past and, rather than understanding the core issue, I had fallen victim to its detriment – one of many of life’s self-fulfilling prophecy, I suppose. Having started a new job less than three months ago, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the ground, my feet dirty and, frankly, to get new stamps in my passport! The opportunity presented itself rather auspiciously when, less than a couple of weeks into the new job, my new boss, Sean, asked if I would join him to Gabon to help teach a ‘Communications for Development’ workshop to a team of 9 Congolese and Gabonese Graduate students, as part of a Masters’ Program ... read more

“Life is a challenge.” It’s been three days since I first set foot in West Africa, but, as with most trips to the field, it’s taken me a while to fully grasp where I am. Today, I find myself in the outskirts of Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, just outside one of Merlin’s health clinic, staring at the license plate on the back of a motorcycle parked next to the rehabilitated facility. “Life is a challenge” it reads unassumingly. I don’t think there is a single human being with a remote understanding of modern history who will refute this truism, especially as it applies to the continent of Africa. Life has been, is (and I’m afraid) will continue to be) a challenge. But, as is the case with many marginalized, destitute parts of this often times-forgotten continent, one ... read more