This column was contributed by Tatiana Kaehler ’15.

Dr. Alfodis Kagaba, executive director of the Health Development Initiative, opened his presentation on partnerships in global health stating, “If you want to go fast, walk alone; if you want to go far, walk together.” His advice came as part of a larger GlobeMed Summit, held at Northwestern University. The two-day conference reflected a growing trend among college students throughout the nation: Caring about global development is “in.” More youth are pursuing careers in global health, education and politics. For many, this means developing projects for communities that lack essential resources.

However, in order for students to create sustainable, effective and necessary change, they need to form partnerships with the developing communities they wish to work in. No one knows exactly what can help a community better than the community itself. However, Western society often believes it knows exactly what developing countries need in order to progress.

Too often these sorts of development models take on the “white savior” model. The white savior comes into communities, implements the changes he or she sees fit and leaves when the project is finished. The white savior naively assumes the community is thankful for such changes and will continue the work necessary to the program. This method of addressing global development issues is ignorant to the needs, culture and desires of the developing community. Due to this ignorance, the change implemented will die out without the community’s commitment and support.

Forming partnerships between students interested in global development and grassroots organizations within a developing community allows for the implementation of a project that is sustainable and worthwhile for a longer period of time.

The benefits of successful partnerships are immense for all of the parties involved. However, there are many challenges to creating an effective partnership. The most significant one is the time it takes to build consensus between the involved parties. Because these partnerships take the cooperation of people of completely different cultures and backgrounds, it is often difficult for the parties to agree on approaches to problems. However, as long as the partners share the same intent––helping the community––eventually a consensus can be reached.

So far, GlobeMed has used this partnership model to create lasting improvements in the health of individuals in 18 different countries. The national organization has forged over 45 partnerships between universities and grassroots non-profits. Whitman’s partner, the Burmese Women’s Union, is using the money we’ve fundraised to implement a reproductive health program for Burmese refugees. The program will give Burmese women the necessary tools to become educated and empowered leaders in their own communities.

By developing partnerships, we can forge long-term relationships with communities, rather than the “one-night stand” often used by volunteers. Working together will allow us to go far in the global development movement. Partnerships are essential in creating sustainable, culturally acceptable and necessary change in our increasingly connected world. Passionate students, who hope to change the world, will see their efforts thrive if they keep this principle in mind.