Making sure your money works
12/09/2011 / FEATURE
"One of the most frequent questions from supporters and donors
to World Vision is, 'How do I know my money reaches communities in
need, and does it really make a difference?'" says Seth Le Leu,
World Vision New Zealand's Director of International Policy and
Programmes (IPP).
Internationally, World Vision is working in about 100 countries
alongside communities to help improve their quality of life.
Contributions from generous child sponsors, and other supporters
and donors, enable World Vision to implement long-term community
development programmes, provide emergency assistance in case of
disasters, and advocate for the most vulnerable.
"To do right by our supporters and communities, World Vision
demands of itself the highest standards of professional competence,
and accepts the need to be accountable," says Seth.
All projects are carefully selected and designed, and subject to
rigorous assessment to avoid duplication, and boost the impact of
return on investment in terms of healthy and prosperous
communities. During the implementation period, World Vision
monitors project progress and evaluates performance to ensure its
work is making a positive and lasting impact on the communities it
serves.
"Project outcomes are measured against internationally accepted
standards, which enable us to continually improve the quality of
our programmes," explains Seth.
Working in the remotest places on earth
Rosemarie Powell, World Vision New Zealand Grants Officer,
recently returned from a visit to the small island communities of
the Reef Islands in Temuto Province in the Solomon Islands.
Rosemarie had to endure dodgy landing strips and scary boat rides,
but she returned inspired by the commitment of World Vision's staff
on the ground.
"And if anyone ever wondered, it is really true that World
Vision is present in some of the most far-off communities in the
world. Temotu is 660km from the capital city of Honiara, making it
the most remote province in the country. The tiny Reef Islands are
another four-hour boat ride from the provincial centre if the
weather is calm. We are the only non-governmental organisation
working in the Reef Islands and it was encouraging to meet the
communities and children of our new sustainable livelihoods
project, and hear their hopes and dreams for a more resilient
future," says Rosemarie.
Understanding communities
Stephen Court, World Vision New Zealand's Country Programme
Manager for India and Tanzania, says external monitoring of
community development projects is essential to ensure that
implementation is moving according to set plans. "Regular
monitoring also aids the early identification of problems, and is a
fantastic way to get to understand communities and the measures
that are in place to help restore these communities," says
Stephen.
Breaking poverty traps
Ian McInnes, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs (HEA) Manager of
World Vision New Zealand, was in Pakistan in May this year to
monitor the progress of emergency programmes after the worst floods
in living memory a year ago. Generous Kiwis donated NZ$900,000 to
World Vision's relief efforts.
"A total of 81 cents out of every dollar donated went towards
emergency assistance, and we have now completed our initial
response," says Ian.
"However, despite the life-saving work, I was horrified to find
peasant families rebuilding homes inside river flood embankments,
directly in the path of a future flood! I discovered that rural
Pakistan is almost entirely owned by feudal landlords. Poor peasant
farmers are so beholden to these landlords that they cannot elevate
their new homes beyond the river plain, let alone become
economically self-sufficient. This is a dangerous poverty trap, and
now that we are aware of it, World Vision can make plans to help
address this issue," concludes Ian.
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