that we know exactly how to help them out from their " pit " without truly understanding what is the core problem. We can be quick to assume what is best for them, before having a chance to hear them out.
What I ' ve learnt from the community over the years is that it is they who know what is best for their community. They
want to be included in the decisionmaking process and their thoughts count. Often, when you are not part of a community, you can ' t truly see the bigger picture – and when you ' re unable to see the bigger picture, your rash decisions or what you feel best for a community could cause more harm than good.
Go into the community with an
open heart and mind. Instead of going in with the whole " I ' m here to give " mentality, go in ready to receive, listen and learn. You ' ll be amazed how much you catch!
Heidy Quah, 22, the founder of Refuge for the Refugees( RFTR), is an undergraduate student at INTI College Subang Jaya.
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