… the iconic red dust of the African countryside clogs your senses - it impairs your vision, stifles your nose and blurs your thinking. In the midst of such uncertainty, all one wants is some guidance – a clearly marked signpost or updated map – to get you back on the right track.
Philippe Duterloo
First name:
Philippe
Last name:
Duterloo
Biography:
Having lived in South Africa, Dominican Republic, England, The Netherlands and now The Gambia one might be inclined to call me a 'global nomad'. The associated lifestyle has helped fuel my curiosity in people and cultures and ultimately led me to pursue an Msc in 'Culture, Organization & Management' at the VU, Amsterdam and join the TNT Global Experience Programme (GEP).
My initial interest in development cooperation stems from experiencing a hurricane whilst living in the Dominican Republic in 1998. The category 4 storm left a trail of devastation and witnessing the atrocity first hand triggered my admiration for development organizations. I became fascinated by such environmental processes and in how humans can intervene and manage such natural disasters. The experience ultimately led me to persue a bachelor's degree in 'Geography' at the University of Durham.
I am now working for North Star Alliance, a non-profit public private partnership that was established in 2005 between TNT and the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP). It is building a network of drop-in health clinics at border crossings, ports and truck stops along transport corridors in Africa in an effort to create a healthier transport sector. It targets most at risk populations (MARP's) - truck drivers and sex workers - and extends Universal Access to a group that has fallen through the healthcare gap.
It is my task to set up the first wellness centre in Western Africa which will act as a demonstration unit for the region. It is a daunting yet exciting task. I am adiment the 'no non-sense and hands on' experience will offer a unique stepping stone for a fruitful and life-long relationship between myself, the people I will meet and the development industry.
For more information see North Star Alliance.
History
- Member for
- 1 year 7 months
Latest blog items
Run Against Hunger II
21 December 2010
Philippe Duterloo
In a world where close to 1 billion people are still hungry, it is difficult to make an immediate positive change. However, hope has to be vested on the active collaboration amongst the UN system, non-governmental organizations, private sector, national governments and good-willed citizens. Not just long term and large scale cross-border projects, but small initiatives, such as the ‘Run Against Hunger’, driven by individuals help raise awareness, hope and (temporary) joy.
How far do you go?
11 November 2010
Philippe Duterloo
Although according to WHO, global HIV/AIDS prevalence rates have reached their peak and are now starting to level off, I would like to discuss the subtleties and often hidden cultural changes that are gradually forcing people to change.
My South African Journey
21 October 2010
Philippe Duterloo
The trip involved meeting North Star Alliance colleagues based in Southern Africa – the most active region for the organization – as well as a trip to Swaziland (a country with a staggering HIV/AIDS prevelance rate of +30%) to visit and understand the running of a wellness centre, joining a ‘learning event’ with outreach workers, attending meetings and engage in talks with a potential container supplier. My philosophy was, the more I talk and ask, the more I would be prepared for potential barriers.
