history
history
GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS IN
EAST AFRICA
Competency:
•Includes not just NGOs, but also community groups, labour unions, indigenous groups,
charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and
foundations.
•CSOs operate independently from the state and the private sector and are vital in
representing the interests and will of citizens. They play a crucial role in fostering public
participation, advocating for social justice, and holding governments accountable.
Historical Background of NGOs:
•Early Origins:
Non-governmental, voluntary organizations began to form in Europe and North America, focusing on issues such as ;
i) poverty alleviation,
ii) education, and
iii) the abolition of slavery.
For example,
• The anti-slave trade activists : For stopping slave trading activities from Africa to the out-side world
• The Humanitarian activists: i.e the Red Cross/Red Crescent, founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant in Switzerland.
Established to provide care to those wounded in battle, regardless of their nationality
Early 20th Century NGOs:
After World War I, organizations like Save the Children were established to provide relief to children war-torn
regions.
After World War II United Nations (UN) was created, which further spurred the growth of international NGOs
; Oxfam, founded in 1942, and CARE, established in 1945, focused on post-war relief and development.
The Cold War period saw NGOs becoming increasingly involved in advocacy and policy influence, especially
• human rights,
• environmental protection,
• and development
• Are action-oriented, emphasizing the delivery of services and implementation of projects. i.e building infrastructure, providing
healthcare, distributing food, educating communities,or offering emergency relief.
Have hierarchical structures with professional staff members to plan and manage projects,
Have fieldworkers execute these plans on the ground for efficiently resource
Handle service delivery (like healthcare and education), environmental conservation, emergency relief (such as responding to natural
disasters), and public welfare initiatives.
2. Advocacy or Campaigning NGOs
These focus on influencing policy and promoting systemic change
through political and social advocacy.
• influence policymakers,
• Aim at promoting systemic political change by influencing government policies, corporate practices, or international laws.
• Their efforts often include lobbying, campaigning, and engaging with media to raise awareness about specific issues.
• Keeping supporters informed, motivated, and engaged is crucial for sustaining long-term campaigns and initiatives.
• frequently organize public demonstrations, rallies, and other events designed to draw media attention
• Often concentrate on human rights issues, such as advocating for the rights of women, children, and marginalized communities.
• They may also work on environmental justice, labor rights, and other global issues requiring policy change and public support.
Classification of NGOs
ii)levels of operation.
Charitable Orientation:
Focuses on top-down efforts to provide assistance with minimal involvement from the beneficiaries.
Service Orientation:
Includes providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and family planning.
Program Design:
These NGO designs and manages the programs, with services delivered directly to the people in need.
Participatory Orientation:
Implementation:
Community members are involved in decision-making and execution, fostering ownership and sustainability of the projects.
Empowering Orientation:
Aims to empower marginalized groups by helping them understand and address the social, political, and economic factors that impact their lives.