When it comes to Palestine, one of the most likely images that comes to mind is a complex of violent territorial, political and religious disputes. The vicious cycle of those disputes has put Palestine into social and economic hardships. It, in turn, has made this country a significant recipient of international aid and donations to help it carry on. Konkuk University is part of this global community implementing international development cooperation projects in Palestine.

As a higher educational institution with strong programs in biotechnology and agriculture, we are collaborating with a Palestinian university to transfer advanced bio-technology and share relevant knowledge for alleviated food insecurity and, more importantly, improved human capacity.

While visiting the West Bank in Palestine for an academic workshop and equipment donation, a small talk with a Palestinian professor led me to deeply appreciate my purpose of being there. He might have said something either he did not need to or should not. However, his complete honesty about the Palestinian authorities and dedication to building a better country couldn’t be a faked lip service to his donating partner.

He pointed out two issues which prevent the country from better handling international aid: extremely inefficient management by its government, and the prevalent mentality of dependence.

The first issue is careless spending of international aid funds by a majority of government officers. According to his words, whereas they could be a professional beggar for more donations, massive incompetence to prioritize and spend the funds jeopardizes the reputation of the country as a worthless investment.

The second issue that causes him heavy frustration is a widespread mindset of reliance on external sources. He made a joke that there are more NGOs and international aid agencies than corner coffee shops in Palestine. Since the government officers and the public know there will be help for them, they tend to heavily rely on outside resources rather than putting in the effort to stand on their own. However, he did not fail to mention that the life of Palestinians is largely driven by turbulent times that produce distress, anxiety, fear and sacrifice.

These unusual circumstances discourage people from being motivated for higher education and investment in capacity and skills.       

To the Palestinian professor, the solution is simple and clear: making small success stories with aid projects and encouraging the government to use donations in a more effective and efficient ways, not playing the usual blame game.

To me, the solution is already here; people like this professor. 

Lee Hye-jin
Institute for International Development Cooperation,
Konkuk University