Examining an Equitable Partnership
As a child, one of my favorite authors was Shel Silverstein. He wrote about tough topics like not fitting in, growing up, and growing old in beautiful and simple books. I recently came across this “2020 Edition” of the Giving Tree, and while I’m pretty sure that it wasn’t created by Shel, it beautifully and simply explains some of the concepts the world is grappling with right now.
The journey from inequality to justice is a process we must all be involved in.
I am hyper-aware of my role as a white woman supporting an organization that protects vulnerable black children. Kuda Vana was designed as a partnership for a reason. We believe our job is to support Zimbabweans as they come up with proactive solutions for orphaned children in their country. By doing so, we hope to build equity and more sustainable solutions to orphan care. Read more about our approach to partnership and our team HERE. Read more about our core organizational beliefs HERE.
But I worry every day. Is our partnership truly equitable? Am I listening enough? Do my counterparts in Zimbabwe feel they can truly voice their concerns when the resources they rely on come from America? Whose voice is louder, mine or theirs? How do we make sure we allow enough time, space and flexibility for solutions that work in another culture but may not make sense in our world? Are we learning and listening more than we are telling and teaching?
These are just some of the hard questions we must ask ourselves every day if we are to end systemic racism, colonialist mindsets and build equity and true partnerships across racial, cultural and country lines. But hard questions are not enough. Action and change must follow.
I understand that I will never understand. But I would like to keep trying. I will continue to educate myself and to ask myself uncomfortable questions. I will continue to take steps to ensure my actions echo my intentions. I believe that fear of what we don’t know or understand is at that heart of racism and classism. Fear can lead to all kinds of hurt. The Bible tells us that “perfect love drives out all fear.” 1 John 4:18.
While our love isn't perfect, Kuda Vana's pledge to loving vulnerable children, and learning how to love them better remains. Together, we all want to build a more equitable future for the children who come to Kuda Vana.
Your continued support shows your commitment to loving children of all backgrounds and races and cultures, simply because it is the right thing to do. Everyone needs more love. Especially now.
Tara Petersen
Executive Director
Our team is committed to building an equitable partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, all for the better of the vulnerable children we serve.