CHANGE

What is change?  Why change?  Is change synonymous with development?  How do you know when someone is ready for change?  Can you move without change?  Am I here to change (myself/others/both?)  

“You are here to make changes, but these people are not ready for change.” 

This was a statement that my deputy head made to me last week.  It caused the cascade of questions above.  I came here hoping to provide options for change but found that when I’m asked ‘why should I change my practice?’ I only leave people with a sense of resentment.  I never use the words, ‘I know better’ – but that’s all any reason I give sounds like.  In fact, I don’t know better – I have my experiences and I can share those but to people here, they are far removed from their own situations because I am a privileged ‘white’ person.  The opportunities and support given to people back in UK are a privilege and they simply do not exist here.

This term, I have been training tutors and students on providing an inclusive education for learners with disabilities and impairments.  Back home, if I have concerns about students, I can refer them to a Special Educational Needs Coordinator – but such a person does not exist here.  There is no government support for statemented children – in fact, ‘statements’ don’t even exist.  And so the question I am always faced with – ‘How can we make changes if we have no means to do so?’ simply leaves me without an answer.

My deputy was right – whilst there is a NEED for change, people’s attitudes must be ready to receive and be changed.  The pursuit for money is the main stumbling block here - most believe that with money all is possible and it's often difficult to argue against this.      Whilst money CAN help in the process of change, it's HOW the money is used/distributed that makes the difference - and so often change is superficial here, getting to the heart of a situation is something harder to reach/access.  Change starts with a desire and motivation - no matter how much money is thrown at someone, if at the heart of someone they see no need for movement, then little will change.

Maybe there is HOPE…my deputy continued to state:

“You (and Jacko) have made us change.  You have made a difference here at the TTC.  I can see it.” 

– sometimes I wish I could...

Chance to move

Hanging, swaying

Any which way

Notions of difference

Giving up what has been

Ever mindful of consequences