Empowering local leaders is a game-changer. This week we begin by hearing from Carol Cartmill who unpacks what empowerment means in international development work. Next we'll journey to Malawi where you'll hear stories from Hugo Ngwira and Funnie Nkhoma and their perspectives on empowerment.
CALL TO ACTION:
Sponsor Global Education! Church of the Resurrection believes strongly in the power of education. Nelson Mandela stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
The best tool to end poverty is equipping the next generation to learn and lead. That is why we believe in supporting children & schools around the world.
You can help break the chain of poverty with education by sponsoring students at our Global Partner Schools. Most opportunities cost less than $40/month, but any donations are welcome. Learn more about sponsoring here!
BIG IDEA:
This week we dive into empowerment. What is it? How does empowerment happen? Why is it important? Empowerment happens in an environment of trust. You must trust the person who you hope to empower. You do this by believing in someone's capability to solve their own problems.
Simply put, empowerment refers to the process of enabling communities to increase control over their lives. If you want to learn more about empowerment, check out this scholarly article. There is also this article on empowerment from Forbes that discusses the correlation between empowerment and happiness.
Disempowerment happens when you lead with resources not relationships. This results in an imbalanced power dynamic, and a less dignified often insufficient solution. It becomes more about getting the resource and less about finding the best solution.
What are power dynamics? How do we see them at play, and how can we avoid an imbalance of power? Power dynamics are the ways in which power works in a setting. Check out this 3-minute video from Dr. Laura Kray at Berkley University. She discusses the relationship between power dynamics and performance. She goes on to provide some strategies to mitigate performance decline due to power imbalance.
If you are hungry for more information on power dynamics check-out this Forbes article on “allyship.” Allyship was the 2021 word of the year, and this article discusses the inter-play between power and healthy intentional advocacy for any marginalized group. It gives some strategic insight on how to empower people in your sphere of influence.
MEET THE VOICES:
First We hear from Carol Cartmill!
Carol Cartmill serves at Church of the Resurrection as the church-wide Lead Director of Mission Ministries. Serving with a gifted team, she provides leadership to mission programs that maximize the congregation’s engagement in life-changing ministry beyond the walls of the church, locally and across the globe. They work together to cultivate relationships and partnerships that foster systemic change and community development within the contexts and communities served by Resurrection’s members.
The first partner we hear from in this weeks’ episode is Funnie from Malawi!
Funnie Nkhoma – Malawi – Vocational Program Coordinator
- Has a degree in Social Work from Catholic University, graduated in 2020.
- Began working for the MUMC in Aug 2019
- When she was growing up, she wanted to be a mother as a full-time job – she thought you could get paid for it.
- She also faked sickness as a child, so she did not have to go to school simply because she heard the world was ending the next day due to an eclipse.
- Her goal is to have an excellent job that she enjoys doing, that she is happy in her life outside of her work and wants to make a positive impact in people’s lives.
- She wants to learn as much as she can until she can take on a leadership role.
- She would like to earn her PhD.
Another voice you will hear from toward the end of the episode is Hugo in Malawi!
Hugo Ngwira – Malawi – Director of Opulence
- He has been involved in Church of the Resurrection’s partnership since 2010 at the beginning of our relationship with the UMC in Malawi.
- Hugo graduated from Africa University.
- He just completed his masters – a remarkably busy & intelligent man.
- He loves God deeply & is an outstanding example of Christian love.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
We do not do for people what they can do for themselves! We believe in empowering local leaders to serve their communities.
Thanks for listening!