Using buzzwords in development is like removing unruly nasal hairs. We do it begrudgingly, but deep down, we hate the fact that it is necessary. In this post, Weh Yeoh takes a participatory approach in requesting stakeholder input for the most jargonistic phrases you have come across in development and...
Read more
About: Weh Yeoh
Weh is a disability development worker currently based in Cambodia. He is a professionally trained physiotherapist who has completed a MA in Development Studies at the University of NSW. He has a diverse background, having spent years travelling through remote parts of Asia, volunteering in an orphanage and adult shelter for people with disabilities in Vietnam, interning in India, and studying Mandarin in Beijing. He has experience in the NGO sector both in Australia and internationally in China, through Handicap International. He is an obsessed barefoot runner, wearer of Lycra, and eats far too much for his body size. You can view his LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/wmyeoh) and follow him on Twitter @wmyeoh.
Recent Posts by Weh Yeoh
How services, not “innovation,” can change lives
What happens when "innovation" is valued to the detriment of basic services? Weh Yeoh demonstrates how an emphasis on innovation and advocacy have sidelined basic rehabilitation services in improving the lives of those with disabilities, and argues that we need to pay more attention to what works, and less to...
Read more
Hey aid worker! It’s not about you
You're either going to love this post or hate it. You're either going to see it as nothing more than an extended rant, or you'll think it makes a valid point or two. Either way, Weh Yeoh hopes that it makes you reflect before you update your Facebook status.
...
Read more
Why development workers should read children’s books
Working in development is often about the transfer of knowledge from one to another. But what if the process of unlearning - relinquishing knowledge that you have gained - could help you along the way? Through reading children's books, Weh Yeoh argues that development workers can realise the power of...
Read more
Why including people with disabilities is common sense.
There is a pervasive misconception that the number of people with disabilities in any given community is small. Yet, 15% of the world’s population live with disabilities, and the number is higher in lower income countries. Weh Yeoh explores how to best address the inequality among people who are largely...
Read more
How would you make aid and development better?
In this post, Weh Yeoh responds to a call out from AidSpeak, the blog of the Humanitarian Social Network known as AidSource. The guys recently asked writers to talk about how they would improve aid and development. This is by no means an exhaustive list (that would involve a word...
Read more
Why competing over funding is killing development (and how we might improve)
Development, which should theoretically be full of people who value empathy and sharing, is a hyper-competitive sector. This attitude of competition is no more prevalent than in the sphere of fundraising. How do we make fundraising more collaborative, while still allowing everyone to achieve their targets? In this post, Weh...
Read more
Welcome to the new WhyDev site!
Welcome. Velkommen. 欢迎光临. Sohm swaakohm. G'day, how's it going? This site has been a work in progress since May 2010 and we're pleased to announce that we have completely revamped it. We think that you'll be pleased with the look, feel and navigation of the new site....
Read more
When talking about human rights is irrelevant
What is learned in a classroom is often miles away from what happens or works in practice. We all know this. How it actually differs though, is something that is difficult to predict. Weh Yeoh reflects on his experiences in China, giving a personal account of his struggles to frame...
Read more
Don’t change the message. Change the messenger.
By Weh Yeoh | Posted in: Fundraising |
Everything that we do in development is about selling a message. But how do we convince people when a message goes against the grain of what they already believe? As Weh Yeoh argues, framing the argument is important, but even more important is the person who is doing the framing....
Read more
Peer coaching: it’s happening, but we need your help
Back in February 2012, we announced that we're starting a peer coaching matching service, in partnership with Shana Montesol Johnson of Development Crossroads. We've been overwhelmed by the response, with over 300 people telling us that they wanted to sign up. In order to get this project up and running...
Read more
A story from Uganda: being young, female and having a disability
Even though whydev brings a younger voice to issues and discussion around aid and development, it is rare that we have a chance to hear from a young person from Uganda. Weh recently had the pleasure of interviewing Josephine Narimiru, a representative of Leonard Cheshire Disability's Young Voices program. In...
Read more
Recent Comments by Weh Yeoh
- July 26, 2012 on Why competing over funding is killing development (and how we might improve)
- July 26, 2012 on Why competing over funding is killing development (and how we might improve)
- July 26, 2012 on Why competing over funding is killing development (and how we might improve)
- July 26, 2012 on Why competing over funding is killing development (and how we might improve)
- July 19, 2012 on Why competing over funding is killing development (and how we might improve)
Follow Us!