By: Jennifer Lentfer

Jennifer Lentfer — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:36:42 +0000

Thanks for this profile of local people with the combustible mix of indignation and vision to address key issues for kids in Tafara. Though initiatives like these are often ignored and under-resourced by “big aid,” I believe donors and international NGOs need to restructure and revise their accountability requirements to focus on the minimum structure and financial controls necessary, rather than asking local groups to change. In effect, we must lower the “glass ceiling” for local groups such as Chiedza/Khanyiso School to access funding.

Let’s acknowledge the vision, structure, inherent strengths, and impact that local indigenous organizations can and do have. Rather than being the lowest common denominator of international development assistance, let’s recognize local indigenous organizations as vital to supporting genuine, demand-driven development that can genuinely challenge power asymmetries and unleash social change.

People, under the direst of circumstances, can and do pull together. This is important for all of us to remember.

Comments on: Education brings hope to Tafara’s children

By: Jennifer Lentfer