the world bank? what is that?

Up till this morning, I had no idea what the World Bank was. Or rather, my misconception of the World Bank was similar to what Marshall of How I Met Your Mother experienced when he had to go into the corporate world: A big bad financial institution taking people's money and having nothing to do with saving the world. Well, this morning as I logged onto the website to check out more information about the organization - and boy was I was wrong.

Though there is much controversy surrounding the World Bank (of which I am not familiar with any of the above-mentioned) - the organisation aims to end world poverty by offering developing countries monetary aid in the interest of developing the nation.

This evening the SAWIP team had the opportunity to meet some young working professionals that work in various sectors in the World Bank. We got a tour of the World Bank, which I really enjoyed as there were many art pieces on display as well. Thereafter, we had a meeting with the professionals. Needless to say, the SAWIP team were in their element. The interaction that was made possible by our facilitator Mauricio was fantastic (thank you very much Mauricio!). Being able to interact personally with each young professional was inspirational - and I think I might be swayed into wanting to experience what it is like working in such an environment. I do say, the World Bank needs more artists!

At the end of our session with the professionals - each one had to give some wise words of wisdom - and this is what we received:

- work hard

- keep asking the hard questions

- PASSION is important

- if you are interested in working in the World Bank - get into contact with the right people - that means finding the person that is most closely linked to your interests

- success does not necessarily translate to earning money: rather it is maximising your talent and helping others.

- Get experience: whether it be work or development - be focussed!

And what did I learn from all of this? The need to be multi-faceted. In order for arts programs to work - we need people that have interests in both fields of the arts and business. Because both parties will not be able to understand the other if there is no link between the link. Hopefully I can be that link one day.