Challenges Worldwide Rebecca Adams Ben Wilson An NGO Partnership with Strathclyde University

1.Introduction to Challenges Worldwide 2.Beyond ‘Volun-tourism’ 3.Working with Universities 4.In Partnership with Strathclyde: The Field Dissertation 5.Future Collaborations

The Context Private Sector Development Using sustainable business to deliver development objectives

Introduction to Challenges Worldwide Developing a vibrant local economy Working with entrepreneurs and enterprises Strengthening skills and building capacity Creating a lasting positive impact - employment and sustainable economic growth

How do we do this? 1. Business Support Services – Through core staff and professional volunteers – Direct to SMEs or in-country partners Case Study: UGANDA African Alternative Energy Solutions

How do we do this? 2. Direct Project Delivery – Local business consultancy development and business incubation – Working closely with in-country partners to build capacity Case Study: SRI LANKA Enterprise Development Programme

How do we do this? 3. Research – In partnership with 5 UK universities – Bespoke assignments determined by our partners Case Study: KENYA Arid Lands Information Network

Beyond ‘Voluntourism’ Business Support & Projects: Funding from our partners or project budget – not from the volunteer We do not tailor activities to suit volunteers We source expert volunteers to match the assignments defined by: 1.our partners on the ground or, 2. our project scope

Beyond ‘Voluntourism’ Research: We take into account the degree program and speciality We match students to projects defined by: 1. our partners on the ground or, 2.our research strategy The students collect primary data or produce a full project report

Beyond ‘Voluntourism’ Benefits to the students: – Primary data collection – ‘Real world’ context – Enhanced employability Funding from the universities and the students themselves

Working with Universities: The Advantages Academic rigour Expectation of behaviour and responsibility University supervision Structure embedded within degree programme Pre-defined timeframe Financing

Working with Universities: The Complications Academic rigour in an uncertain environment Early deadlines/planning Supervision in-country UK student visas Graduation dates Security and risk Financing

Working with Strathclyde: The Field Dissertation Programme The Partnership in Numbers: 4 years 1 school 3 degree programmes 13 successful assignments 6 countries 10 partner organisations 3 months in country

Working with Strathclyde: Student Field Dissertations 2013 STUDENT: Gilles Schwertzer LLM International Law Interest in international environmental law and renewable energy PARTNER: Renew ‘N’ Able Partner organisation based in Blantyre, Malawi Promotes environmentally sustainable energy sources for impoverished households PROJECT: Report on the lack of interaction between science and research institutes and environmental NGOs in Malawi

Working with Strathclyde: Student Field Dissertations 2013 STUDENT: Abimbola Akinola LLM International Economic Law Interest in international trade, competition law and West Africa PARTNER: Concern Universal Ghana Partner organisation based in Accra, Ghana Promotes agricultural business development in rural Ghana with a focus on domestic and export markets PROJECT: Investigation of the legal barriers to the exportation of goods for smallholders in Ghana

Working with Strathclyde: Future Collaborations Bihar, India – Access to Energy Building the capacity of; ─ engineers to provide a renewable energy service for SMEs, and ─ entrepreneurs to develop energy kiosk businesses Strathclyde staff and PhD students to contribute technical expertise and course materials

Final Thoughts: Sustainable change is possible through working with the private sector Collaboration between NGOs and Universities is of mutual benefit to both organisations

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