Tushikamane plans to have its effect by helping communities to put their own plans and projects into action.
Too often in the past, the help of charities and well-intentioned supporters has dissipated because of not being owned by the people: Equipment not maintained; finances siphoned off; resources not reaching the intended place; projects not being culturally appropriate; shoddy workmanship because of poor supervision; or simply not being what the people truly needed.
If the community, and particularly the women of the villages and hamlets, have not had a say in what is going on, then too often projects have run out of steam.
By contrast, and wonderfully, Tushikamane is already having an important effect on encouraging the right kind of project:
- "We are setting up a garden and just need better seed";
- "We have dug a well, but it needs protecting";
- "We have set up a chicken and egg project, but do not have enough chicken wire";
- "We are learning to make and sell school uniforms, but need more raw materials, and money to pay the teachers"
- "We have set up a micro-financing project for covering the cost of obstetric emergencies, so that women do not need to waste precious time finding money in a crisis - but we need better transport";
etc.
Some of the projects are aimed at better health; some at earning money so as to pay for health, transport and education; some will simply provide food.
In addition, bigger projects will need long-term planning and long-term help: in particular: better water; better school facilities; and capacity for complex emergency obstetric care in Tunguli clinic.
With the success of Tushikamane in promoting community involvement, we now have a fighting chance that pouring effort and resources into these ventures will bring long-term, sustainable development.
And by the way ... as these projects become more defined, we will be looking for help from those who earn quite alot more than $2/day!!!
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