Making haste slowly?

You might have wondered why we named our blog "Making haste slowly", the reason is simple and it has a name: Øyvind Aadland.

One of the first presentations we had at Hald during the fall- semester, was held by the general secretary of Stromme Foundation, Øyvind Aaland. He talked about the subject of "Intercultural communication", and adviced us on how to best adapt to a new culture. However, he also told us a lot about development work and what he considered the most important way to eradicate poverty. And here came the quote: "Making haste slowly". It was told in the context of how to work towards a better world, that we cannot have hurry at the same time that we cannot wait. Therefore we have to make haste slowly.

Stromme F. works in different regions of the world; South- America, East- Africa, West- Africa and South- Asia. Although the main office is in Norway, the regional offices are exclusively run by locals. At times things may be done differently and with other timeperspectives than "the norwegian way", but this way of working gives the community what we consider the most important thing in development work; knowledge, empowerment and infrastructure. Both those who work at the offices and the local organizations given support recieve courses in different subjects such as working with children. The reason why it is important to work with locals, is that they know better than anyone what needs to be done and get closer to those who need support.

"The fastest way to the mountain top is the zig - zag way" (Aadland) - to reach a goal, small or big, can never be reached easily. One has to work to find the best way, which often goes zig - zag, and not have hurry and risk breaking a leg reaching the top.

This became a very serious blogpost, but we hope it gave more understanding. Because we are here in Iquitos trying to make haste slowly, something that actually comes naturally considering the peruvian time! :)

Maia & Ellen - Team ElMa.