Bridging

A bridge connects two riverbanks running from one side to the other. I like bridges with an arch, not just because they are more pleasing to the eye, but because they make it more difficult for a walking person to reach the other side. You have to put in an effort first and only when you have reached the highest point does it become easier to complete the crossing. At the same time the upward slant of the bridge no longer blocks your view and you can see what lies ahead of you without restriction.

After seven months in Aston our Cordate Community is still trying to make its way up the bridge and we have not yet reached the easing-off point. We never thought we would in such a short time. In our planning we have given ourselves at least one year to immerse ourselves in the neighbourhood.

We are not the only ones negotiating the bridge of intercultural relationships. For seven years a regeneration project has been going on in Aston. It is a ten-year programme and by now it should have scaled the highest point of the bridge, but I wonder whether they have succeeded in doing so. Recently I attended a meeting called by the health coordinator of the programme in the area. The various faith groups were invited, meaning in fact representatives of the many churches and mosques in the neighbourhood. They did not show up in great numbers, in fact only a few mosques and churches were represented. More telling perhaps than the disappointing attendance was the topic of the meeting. It was all about seeking the cooperation of the faith groups in getting the health and family services of the programme delivered to the target groups. Apparently, they had reason to believe that the needs for health care and family assistance were there, but the services meant to answer those needs were not sufficiently availed of by the population.

The programme is not wanting in effort. They are willing to be flexible in time and place. If the people could only make it in the evenings or during weekends, so be it. They would adjust their schedules accordingly. If the people wanted them to go to the places where they feel at home, like their churches or mosques, no problem. They would rent space there, if possible, and so make themselves available right on the spot where the people want them.

It is not so easy to pinpoint why this bridge has not been crossed. Does the problem lie with the programme in spite of their great willingness to serve? Did they somehow make the wrong start having difficulty ever since in connecting with the people? Or does the problem lie with the people who prefer their own problem-solving, even if deficient, and rather keep to themselves? One suspects that cultural differences on both sides make it difficult to shuffle up the bridge. Running or walking is definitely out of the question.

Ton