I'm writing an article for a competition for The Times (London) and I'm looking for some quotes from real-life humanitarian workers. The article is on the theme of voluntourism (their topic, not mine) and I'm making the point that the typically vilified gap-year project exhibits failings that are widely applicable across the sector.

Does anyone have a good story or four they wouldn't mind being quoted on? No need to name and shame, it just seems that everyone has stories of poorly…

Originally posted on UpLook

Source: Hannah Wilson Illustration

This question of trying to figure out whether a book is good or bad by looking…

Orignally posted on UpLook.

Just some things I wish I'd been told before my first trip to live and work overseas. Obviously, it's fun to experience things and make your own mistakes, learning how not to be completely ripped off during every single monetary interaction is a particular joy that shouldn't be denied by something as silly as…

Originally posted on UpLook.

Think Africa Press recently published a very thorough, balanced and well-written analysis of the Kony2012 furore and what it means for humanitarian organisations and their future campaigns - read it in full…

Originally posted on UpLook

Wicked problems have these features: It is hard to say what the problem is, to define it clearly or to tell where it stops and starts. There is no “right” way to view the problem, no definitive formulation. There are many stakeholders, all with their own frames, which they tend to…

Originally posted on UpLook

Source: 24expo via Stephanie on Pinterest[/caption]

I have recently been writing reports on the state of freedom of expression in four countries in the Horn of Africa:…

Originally an entry to the Guardian Development Journalism Competition posted on UpLook.

                                    A shocking visual demonstration of why so many people find 'poverty porn' offensive. Image from:…

Originally published on UpLook.

This is how …

Originally posted on 
UpLook

I have genuinely overheard this quote being used on a newly arrived EAW in a bar in Kampala. Brutal.

The other night, my flat mate and I were out aggressively making new friends in our 
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 my blog.

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Also published by 
Generation C Magazine and 
Development in Action…

Originally posted here, on UpLook.

I've been a little lax on the blogging front this week. I have two excuses for this: the first is that I spent most of the weekend looking for somewhere to live next year (with success), the other is that I've been completing an assignment for my…

Originally posted on UpLook

I recently had the pleasure of attending a casual drink with some NGO types from an organisation around the corner from my office. The evening began with a brief presentation from one of their field workers who had recently returned from South Sudan, which was interesting to see, before turning into a nice chance to have a chat and a pint with some other young…

Originally available on UpLook

Manika Jha was in the UK with Peace Brigades International, who do great work protecting human rights defenders all over the place. They also…

In an unassuming side street off Brixton High Road, up two flights of stairs and through a drab little landing I found myself in a room filled with strangers. I was greeted and given stickers with various descriptions on them - 'troublemaker', 'designer', 'citizen', 'geek' - before being told to meet these new people, chat with them and assign them a role. The feeling that most often comes to mind when I reflect on my visit to a Social Innovation Camp…

Orignally on UpLook

This post is written for:…