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 .
ASIAN BEACON 48 # 1 December 2016 - January 2017 17