Good intentions aren’t enough. It is vital to rethink what it means to help

As the newest cohort of US Peace Corps volunteers prepares for their two-year service in Nepal, their arrival prompts a critical re-evaluation of foreign aid. Volunteers will engage in teaching English, food security projects, and environmental initiatives after extensive training, according to the US embassy.

“

Can someone from the global north arrive in a country in the global south with the intention of helping and truly do good?

The core question remains: can individuals from the global North truly do good in the global South with good intentions alone? True positive impact requires a deep, lived understanding of the community and its culture, which extends far beyond orientation modules and language drills. Culture is shaped by childhood, history, experiences, and societal structures, nuances that are difficult for outsiders to grasp quickly.

Philosopher Ivan Illich's 1968 speech, "To hell with good intentions," serves as a stark reminder. He cautioned volunteers against assuming they could "help," advocating instead for a deeper engagement with learning and observation. Illich argued that volunteers, intentionally or not, often export a Western worldview, reinforcing the idea that solutions originate from the West.

“

Come to look, come to climb our mountains, to enjoy our flowers. Come to study. But do not come to help.

The issue of volunteer turnover is significant. The Corporation for National and Community Service reports an average volunteer retention rate of 65 percent, meaning many volunteers depart prematurely. This high turnover results in fragmented education for children and disrupted community bonds, as new volunteers repeatedly arrive, teach, and leave.

“

Acts of service can reinforce the idea that solutions flow from the West outward.