ABSTRACT
The introduction to this book sets out its structure: 19 chapters that tell of the varied work that the author has done all over the world (with each chapter containing sections on lessons learned, impact in hindsight and suggestions for further reading); and a concluding chapter summing up the important things he has learned. It gives some description of the author and addresses four topics that he believes are important for those who aspire to being a development practitioner: (1) what it means to be an expat; (2) how cross-fertilisation of ideas across countries is important; (3) how you need to decide whether to work for governments or NGOs; and (4) what it means to bring up a family in these situations.
The introduction also lists the important topics of the book and situates them in their respective chapters. These are: Social Welfare and Community Development; the Role of NGOs and CSOs in Development; Corruption and Social Accountability; and Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation.
There is reference to morality and ethical issues in the development business, and how the author was trained for this work. Lastly, it notes that there will hopefully be entertaining stories and anecdotes.
