Social Change In The Name Of Development (Questions)
In the territory of non-profit organizations, social change and social development have obtained rather progressive connotations; yet, while assembling the footage from Turkey into coherent forms, the specific implications of change and development pulled the puzzle pieces further apart. In the prospect of change, one must assume a differentiation occurs (either progressive or regressive) through time; “social” characterizes the type of change: behaviors, traditions, and beliefs. Social development, on the other hand, possesses the physicality of indication: buildings, schools, and roads – an increased utilization of human resources through time. Social development affects social change, as well as social change influences social development. Such affirmation, however, cannot be discussed outside the context of one major question: is this precise association and dependence on one another righteously progressive?
Ça?da? Ya?am? Destekleme Derne?i, as a non-profit organization, struggles to change social customs and traditions with the intent to magnify the reach of education, and further promote social development. In specific regions of Turkey, teenage girls are forced to marry at young ages, crushing any prospect of getting an education, or even establishing a professional career. From a Western perspective (influenced and altered through women’s rights movements), such social behavior might seem rather regressive; each and every individual should have control over personal choices. The thought, deeply rooted in Western ideologies, have come to dominate the practices of development. In this modern multifaceted world however, one’s truth will hardly ever coincide with yours or mine; hence, the constant quest for social change.
Consider the traditional Turkish families along with their customs and practices. From their perspective, the organization’s work might seem completely influenced by these ideologies, which absolutely differ from local beliefs. Their truth disregards the role of education and supports the submission of young women to predictable futures. Western societies have proved the importance of education in achieving development; thus, in this case, how can development be achieved without social change? But then again, how can one guarantee that Western ideals, which have worked in distinct societies, will prove themselves equally successful amidst traditional Turkish families? Who decides the righteousness of social change?
Take Sri Lanka, for example. While interviewing the organization’s president, he recalled the period when Future In Our Hands was founded – over twenty-five years ago. A Norwegian couple had moved to Badulla, central Sri Lanka, only to offer aid and assistance to a native tribe, which, despite all necessities, proudly preserved their traditions. In return, they expected tribe members to adapt to the outsider’s culture (as opposed to the other way around). Instead of a couple meals per day, the Norwegians wanted the locals to eat at least three times daily. Rather than barely covering their bodies, they expected tribe members to be fully dressed. The couple, in all of their good intentions, believed development would only occur if locals adapted to Western traditions – from the Norwegian’s perspective, superior than that of the natives.
Night Pixels
Mysterious, edgy, reflexive: silent qualities of the nighttime. From the light prevails the lack; the consequential darkness shapes the clarity. Shadows, pathways, signals: constant changes of the nighttime. The vacant land exposed under murky skies; shelters hidden through the horizon. Lights shine the black and grey; come the day, the nighttime never fades.
Project Update
For those of you used to seeing the project regularly updated, it might come as a surprise that there hasn’t been fresh material for over a week. Like it was previously mentioned, People of Change has not discontinued, nor it will in the long run. However, all energies are currently being focused on the editing and finalization of the videos (the re-adaptation process also took its tool). Along the travels, I expected enough down time, which could be used towards this task; yet, traveling, filming and writing were indeed full-time occupations. Despite the editing, new material will continuously be posted along the next few months. Please, check frequently.
Ii must be emphasized, once again, that the project is still open to contributors. Hence, if you have articles, photos or videos about the work of non-governmental organizations, or simply want to share your opinion on certain subjects, feel free to contact People of Change. It is not guaranteed all documents will be published, but if it fits within the principles of the project, there should not be any reasons for denial.
The greatest challenge about being solo is the limitations it imposes on the achievement of personal goals. With the help of friends, readers, makers, you and me, the journey shall make the difference.
Passenger Life (Arrival)
Traveling requires contemplation; life takes contemplation.
I expected to film in Chile – another never accomplished expectation. From the beginning, there were indeed several anticipations. In all ingenuity, I thought once the documentation started, access and view numbers would skyrocket, frequent comments would steer the project towards the correct decisions, and supporters would contribute with personal costs. None of these expectations were ever reached, and disappointment certainly made the reality harder to acknowledge. It took months to realize, but the mentality had to be changed if pre-established goals were ever to be achieved. One inevitable question cleared the truth: who rather than what.
Recognition, numbers, profit: these were indeed misleading expectations. I initiated the project thinking about inspiring those behind their computer screens; yet, the inspiration came from those in front of the camera. I was simply an observer, a mediator, connecting successful stories around the world; and in the particular case of non-profit struggles, success has distinct implications. Triumph depends on people of change: peacemakers, listeners, problem solvers, visionaries. Ignore corporate empires, flashing lights or champagne toasts; only genuine success can be measured in smiles – one source of infinite contemplation.
Rapanui Stoppage
Behind the scenes video filmed on Easter Island, Chile. The island presents a fragile cultural and social heritage, and further studies and research must be encouraged. On a side note, despite the perfect timing, the Rapanui man unexpectedly ran into the frame.
People of Change – Behind the Scenes #05 from Fernando Sapelli on Vimeo.
Passenger Life (Layover)
You walk, you fly, you run, you sail, you travel; in life, we are all just passengers. Where to stop, when to continue, how to enjoy the stay: the intensity of the ride is exclusive to each individual. Amidst such maze of paths and possibilities, the final destination becomes a distant contemplation for those focused on the journey; and the precise certainty of such imminent arrival maintains our wondering heads above our moving feet.
Traveling requires planning; life takes planning.
The contact in Chile did not go through. The documentation was supposed to start during the week prior to my departure to Easter Island; yet, because of the rainy weather, the plan went down the drain (one of the reasons behind the unplanned trip to La Serena). After returning from the Northern Chilean coast, I was stationed in Santiago for another four days, solely waiting on the organization for further scheduling details. The period coincided with national vacations; thus, most of the children who participated in the organization’s activities, as well as staff members, were off during that week.
Traveling around the world, documenting the work of NGOs (and individuals) committed to the betterment of humanity - as well as personal anecdotes. 
