Why don't we do something about it?

Diligent staff at work. 

I was spending half of my Tuesday sitting at a planning meeting at a migrant training centre.  The issue at hand was developing a curriculum in vocational education for Burmese workers.  I was wondering what was going on around me.  It was not because I did not understand anything being said.  Rather it was because I did understand enough of what was being said. 

Yes, all the others at the table were speaking in Thai or Burmese.  And what was their big concern?  It was their problem with applying English into their training courses.  While talking about English in the curriculum and their need to make resources in English available,  nobody spoke any English during the meeting.  I was thinking why don't they do something about it?  Basically, their issues with English will remain while no one responsible tackles their named challenges in English. 

It fascinates me how we tackle issues in life, or don't tackle them, while even naming them. 

An ex-pat here, whom I would name as a friend, has an ongoing issue with alcohol.  Basically, his level of drinking is self-destructive and this is nothing new.  His friends  talk about what is happening but nobody talks with him about it, including me.  It is like the proverbial elephant in the room.  My friend's issues hit me in the face this week as I finally had to name for myself how his drinking was impacting emotionally upon me, recognising that he cannot be a friend to me while his real friend is alcohol.  Very sad, indeed!  I decided that I will not be ruled by his drinking but much more than this the challenge for me remains.  Do more than just join in any talk about his drinking and be a true friend, not waiting until he hits rock bottom. 

What to do?  It may be obvious but not easy!