Drawing from his own experiences in Timor Leste, Simon Katterl critically evaluates the structural flaws of the volunteer aid and tourism trend, known as ‘voluntourism’. The author argues there is a lack of accountability available to the recipients of aid – if the aid organisation fails, there is no recourse for aid recipients. While aid organisations must self-impose such regulations, it is currently unclear what ethos prevail in ‘voluntourism’.
Simon Katterl discusses the rise of the new Atheist movement. In doing so Simon criticises the militant elements which are built upon emotion and misdirection.
Samuel Hennessy shares with Alochonaa.com his perspective on the religious instruction in education debate – a contentious topic currently in New Zealand & Australia; ‘Should state schools have compulsory religious education?’. According to Sam education exists for liberation, and therefore if non-coercive religious education contributes to this liberation, what harm is there in that?
Alochonaa.com presents Musical Passions – Mastering The Violin by Begetter Vince Kwansky. “Music has the ability to transform us from a period in time into a far off destination – playing a musical instrument only amplifies this feeling”. The author, a music teacher and experienced Violin player, provides valuable insight into how to capture the passion within children learning the violin.
Mahmudul Hoque Moni deconstructs the ‘myth’ of objectivity in sport journalism. He observes that objectivity is missing in sports reporting, but journalists stride for it in general news journalism, so why the difference?
Mubashar Hasan deconstructs the ‘myth’ of religion and politics through a critical analysis of the book “Religion and Politics in International Relations: The Modern Myth” by Timothy Fitzgerald.
Alochonaa (Dialogue) 