THE ROLE OF NON- GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS - NGOS Activity 3 10/4/2011 1

Objectives To learn about NGOs To identify roles NGOs play in development To list most progressive and effective NGOs Give examples of NGOs in countries (chosen for our term papers) Learn about challenges encountered by NGOs Engage students in discussion 10/4/2011 2

Introduction NGOs = Non-Governmental Organizations Legal organization formed by people with interest in pursuing the interest of a group or groups of people with a social purpose. They are autonomous and independent from government Here in the US, we refer to NGOs as civil society organization or private voluntary organizations They are not profit making institution 10/4/2011 3

Types of NGOs The type of NGO basically depends on the area of focus For example: Charitable focus Services Consumption Social issues marketing Consumer education NGOs: what is right for the consumer, food safety issue Environmental NGOs advocates good sustainability issues Agricultural based NGOs advocates best agricultural practices 10/4/2011 4

Time Required  Class starts from 1 – 2:40pm  Time should be allocated as follows:  Searches (information finding): 20 minutes  Presentations: 5 minutes  Questions and reflections: 10 minutes  This Class activity can be done by 2:20pm 10/4/2011 5

Activity: NGOs You will access to a computer with internet access Work in your groups as previous Four groups (1 - 4) Meaning you will have two countries to work on Step 1: Use internet and search for NGOs in your country (country for your term paper) Go to Choose or list 2 NGOs in each of your countries Step 2: Discuss their type What roles do they play? Are they engaged in addressing any of the MDGs? What are their challenges? 10/4/2011 6

Activity…. Step 3: Be prepared to share your findings with other groups Write what you discussed in step 2 on the white board or chat Present your findings General questions: What policy suggestion would you offer? If any? Are civil society organization important? Do they really play a significant part in development? How are they funded? 10/4/2011 7

Some feedback Most government fully recognizes the inherent capacities of NGOs Especially community based organization (CBO) Those that serve as key actors in the agricultural development process Such organization are seen as facilitating local initiatives Can use indigenous resources and technology Can mobilize people and community participation for sustained development in education, health, agriculture and access to resources 10/4/2011 8

Reflections Governments support the efforts NGOs in the agricultural sector and those involved in rural development For example Providing portable drinking water to people in rural areas Building schools and health centers in rural areas Government will assist them with policy-led intervention which will contribute to the achievement of National and local development objectives But sometimes the government policy-led intervention is very severe and scare good intention of NGOs. 10/4/2011 9

Some Examples: WWF = World Wildlife Fund for nature A charitable trust organization Focuses on environmentalism = conservation and research World wide Namibian Examples: Misa =Media Institute of Southern Africa Focuses on adult education, human rights Training of small businesses development CARE Lisikamena Credit Fund Generate resources locally for development; strengthen local institutions of microfinance. Focuses on community sustainable development Poverty eradication HIV/AIDS 10/4/

The U.S  Are there NGOs in the U.S?  Can we list at least 5 and their head office location?  What roles do they play?  Are they effective?  What are their challenges?  Would you volunteer to these NGOs? 10/4/

Any questions or suggestions Post them here..! 10/4/