The Role of Non-Governmental organizations - ngos

1. The Role of Non-Governmental organizations - ngos Activity 3

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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 http://www.un.org/africa/osaa/ngodirectory/. • 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?

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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. 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

11. 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?

12. Any questions or suggestions • Post them here..!