According to a publication of April 2012 Edition of the H&G Report 32, the authors Sarah Collinson and Samir Elhaway both argued that " there appears to be an overwhelming consensus among humanitarian actors in a world where humanitarian space is contracting... and that the greater respect for the principles of human action such as impartiality, neutrality and independence are more of myths than looking into an introspective analysis of the nature of the humanitarian system itself and its evolution over time."
The phenomenon in the socioeconomic landscape in most parts in Africa including Sierra Leone and Liberia has been leaning towards politics as the surest means to an end. Some social commentators are of the opinion that majority of those who have access to economic power have in one way or the other allied themselves with the corridors of power but what they are doing with these monies concentrated in their hands is just another thing altogether. Whether this assertion is true or half true is left with readers to digest.
What really transforms economies from one level to to the next whether in Europe, United States or Asia is strengthening the private sector including the humanitarian industry and that is what we should be addressing. This innovative transformation does not only provide jobs but also help to spread wealth through the complementary roles of nonprofits at the community level.
Unfortunately, this has been a critical intersection and a daunting challenge for emerging democracies in Africa.
We often hear that philanthropy seems overwhelming; that social issues are complex and each one requires a customized approach. The paradigm shift that I would like to propose in the current humanitarian landscape is one that would seek the strategic implementation and support for creative and innovative initiatives like Khadarlis for Sierra Leone with its unique flavor of attracting investment, programs and projects in a north-south or south-south knowledge transfer mechanism including diaspora engagements and trade links.
However, the culture of donors dealing with big NGOs and the constraints in the way of grass root nonprofits accessing funding has militated against most small nonprofits to close down due to lack of funds. That in itself does not sound too pleasant but who really cares? Khadarlis for Sierra Leone does not intend to fall into such a vicious cycle, and that is why our strategic thinking and strategic planning prioritizes creating programs and at the same time seeking sources of funding for such programs and at the same time making sure that our potential donors understand fully the impact (and limitations) of their donations.
At the moment, we are seeking funding for institutional capacity building to provide much needed equipments and resources to enhance our operations.
We have completed proposals ready for submission for water and sanitation to be scaled up in our project areas.
We are also working closely with "CWB" who are dedicated to solving humanitarian problems by mobilizing the resources and expertise of the global community to have them involved with our schools and Universities in Sierra Leone.
Besides, a number of our volunteers are pursuing projects in the realm of knowledge transfer through classroom to classroom initiatives in areas like English Language proficiency and transfer of learning materials to rural schools in Sierra Leone.
We welcome the humanitarian gestures that you would like to extend to making the success of these projects a reality on behalf of the people we are serving in the remote parts of Africa, they too belong to our world and they too have their stories to tell. If you want to hear their stories, please get involved, send your comments and responses to http://www.khadarlis.org.
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