NGOs in Rural Development and their Drawbacks
Despite the many theories that have evolved on rural development, implementation of NGO projects can have very diverse outcomes, most of them unexpected. Professor Ahmet Akyurek provided a short summary of possible drawbacks during the actual field work phase. These drawbacks include: project preparation with inadequate information, "central" planning, lack of local voice and approval, mistrust of promises, establishing the "true facts" of any situation, disaster mentality, "crossed lines – no communication!" among organizations, motivation for aid, overcoming traditional suspicion, field staff, transplanting of projects, reaching the poorest of the poor, transport, an integrated approach, failure of villagers to honour promises, lack of basic facilities, factions in community life, lack of collective action, long-term solutions, "big is beautiful" syndrome, economic shifting from poor to poor, competition among NGOs, lack of follow-up, cost/benefit ratio, goals and tools, criteria of success, and success at all costs. See the accompanying document (111kb).
End of Tradition? Reconnecting British people back with Nature through OPAL
Nature provides the umbilical cord linking humanity to 'Mother Earth', but in recent decades not only has the physical cord been severed, but the emotional, psychological and spiritual ones too. In Western countries such as Great Britain a new generation is growing up who for the most part cannot even recognize and identify the commonplace animals and plant species. Maxwell Ayamba described the Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) project that aims to change this by creating and inspiring a new generation of nature-lovers, getting people to explore, study, enjoy and protect their local environment. The OPAL network is open to anyone with an interest in nature in the UK, bringing scientists, amateur-experts, local interest groups and the public closer together. In 2007 OPAL received a grant of £11.75million from the Big Lottery Fund, developing a wide range of local and national programmes to encourage people from all backgrounds to get back in touch with nature. The project will also generate valuable scientific data concerning the state of Britain's environment. It is a partnership initiative celebrating biodiversity, environmental quality and people’s engagement with nature. See the powerpoint presentation (6.3mb).
The MOWGLI Mentoring Scheme in Syria
Bernadette Devine presented MOWGLI, which stands for: Mentoring – encouraging; Openness; Without prejudices; Giving without expectation of return; Learning that we find ourselves by losing ourselves in the service of others; Inspiring the best in those we work with. To be a successful business person you need the right balance of skills, knowledge and behaviours. MOWGLI mentoring concentrates on the behaviour. It is in essence a relationship and like all relationships they are richer for being a two way process. This richness emerges when both parties are communicating from a position of authenticity and humility. By doing so it allows us to connect at a deeply human level. A good mentor will hold a mirror up to their mentee, allowing them to see themselves as they are. The mirror will help the mentee discover that the gifts he has, which he takes for granted believing that everyone else shared them, are utterly unique to him. It is through a strong mentoring relationship that we discover our own identity.
Partnerships in PERL
David Chittenden described the Partnership for Education and research about Responsible Living (PERL), an EU Academic and international network of over 110 institutions in 50 countries that has built on the Consumer Citizenship Network. PERL aims to educate individuals as active citizens able to make more responsible daily choices, and to influence governments, businesses and schools to make better lifestyle choices both available and attractive. Its approach is build bridges and to collaborate by recognising that people need to determine their own lifestyle changes based on good information, consultation and the principles of sustainable human development. This includes life cycle analysis, social life cycle assessment and life quality analysis. Its approach to education includes scientific investigation and an active social learning process. He concluded by describing some of PERL's projects. See powerpoint presentation (22.9mb).