top7

Self-sustaining aid programs

Today in Nzinga we had a community meeting, which is a very important step. It was all about the community coming together to begin collectively taking ownership of these programs. They heard clearly from us that we are not here to give handouts, nor are we hear to do our thing in our way. We have learned best practices, and have a starting plan, but the priorities, allocations of funds, etc., will be determined by them.

We will provide tools (training, fencing, seeds, gardening tools, education materials and teacher training, etc.) they need to take batter care of themselves one time. They have the responsibility to work together to make sure the efforts succeed, and to help spread that success through the community.

The response was amazing. No one will ever convince me that the old ways of doing aid are right. As well meaning as they are, they create a dependency that is self-perpetuating. In every face and voice today there was appreciation for our help, but more so, appreciation for believing in them, for giving them the chance to be responsible for their own future.

There was disagreement about priorities right off the bat, and a quick realization that we can’t do it all. A very powerful moment came when one woman, tears in her eyes staring right into mine as, in Zulu that didn’t need to be translated asked me something that included the word AIDS. Post translation, with tears in my eyes staring right into hers I explained why it is too complex and difficult for me, Miranda, and Sheri to take on, but we will try to encourage organizations with that expertise to come to Nzinga to help. It was added that vegetable gardens do help some in that they help everyone be adequately nourished, which is part of the solution. I agree, but it was a great grounding to a meeting that made me feel so good about all we’re doing, to be reminded of just how big, deep, difficult, and long-term the problems are here.

Despite that, I know after today, that these strong, proud, sharing people will do just what Miranda realized they would do a year ago – stand on their own if we just give them a hand up.

Tomorrow all the fencing, etc. arrives. I will be very sore and tired tomorrow night. But also inspired, I’m sure.

No photos while in Nzinga, as the signal has a hard time even transmitting Web pages without images.

Tom

Leave a Reply