Illustration by Rose Lowry

We do this by listening, becoming intensely involved, offering our specialized knowledge in a sensitive manner, and working side–by–side with our host–country colleagues to solve problems and build pride in accomplishment. In many settings, I’ve seen AED teams be particularly good at building a culture of dialogue and respect.

I recently worked on a project in southern Sudan in which AED teams were thoroughly integrated into ministries of education and used on–the–job, learning–by–doing models of capacity building and professional support. I’ve become a huge champion of this approach.

Respect is more likely to emerge from dialogue built on the premise of equality and that values everyone’s knowledge and experience. Building a culture of dialogue and respect is a process of exploring shared values, developing professional trust, and demonstrating commitment and passion.

Read the essay Former Enemies Become Education Allies.