Improving Rural Communities through the Bottom-Up Approach

The “Bottom-Up Approach” has been identified by development experts as an appropriate approach that can transform communities and make life more flexible as part of efforts to accomplish the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The boldly printed, loud sounding MDGs is still to convince many people that it is far more better from a string of well brandished and publicised captions like, Health for all by the year 2000, Make Poverty History, Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative amongst others. Some individual initiatives to fight poverty using the “Bottom-Up Approach is gradually changing the lives of rural communities across the world especially in developing countries. This breakthrough can make a greater difference if organizations put aside hierarchical and administrative differences and confront the reality in the field. The “Bottom-Up Approach” will be use in this article from a management and organizational point of view.

A “Bottom-UP Approach” is designed to involve decision from a micro to a macro level where there is information transfer from an inferior to a superior position. The micro level refers to the grassroots who after consultation with the macro level (experts or superior) give a go ahead on important decisions reached that does not violet rights and freedom of the community in question. In this approach, a low cost community base solution is often quite flexible that makes the people feel more involved in giving a new phase lift in the community. This puts the local people at the “centre of development policies and at the centre of work” as was remarked by the Secretary General of the UN, during the 2011 International day for the eradication of poverty. This approach is characterized by an efficient master plan from the feasibility stage of a project that makes a fair balance and provides a maximum win-win situation to all beneficiaries.

Some individual initiatives through the “Bottom-Up Approach” are transforming community lives to a greater extent. For example, the Barefoot college campus in Tilonia, India, aim at empowering rural poor is promising and very encouraging. This school created in 1972 by Mr. Sanjit Roy, has trained old and mature women from different parts of the world to become solar engineers irrespective of their academic backgrounds. So far, the school has trained some one hundred and (150) grandmothers who represent some twenty developing countries around the world with an estimated ten thousand (10000) houses electrified using solar power. This solar power electrification is pollution free and is serving thousands of litres of diesel and kerosene. In this project, Mr. Sanjit identified women as the target point of success and he has been investing in them. He considers women as more composed and reliable partners who can pull the strings of development to higher heights. Rural women produce more than half of family income through agricultural activities.  If we take into account the nature of work and ability of rural women in developing countries, then this criterion can be a measuring rode for project implementation.

Another good example which demonstrates the Bottom-Up Approach as a reliable tool for the well-being of the community is the solar bottle project in the Philippines. Thousands of poor homes have benefited from this project and have been able to significantly reduce their electricity bills. With an average cost of 3dollars, families are able to light up their homes using very cheap and affordable raw material that is friendly to the environment. This technology is easily transferred from electricity engineers to the rural communities without a great deal of education and qualification. This project in the Philippines is expected to light about one million homes by 2012.

Technology in the 21^st century is proving to favour the poor and is becoming more participative and less costly. Rural communities have discovered that despite the existence of a missing link between the educated and those crawling below the ladder; they can still make use of what they have to get what they need. The Bottom-Up Approach will become more significant if more actors come on board and help spread their technology that will give access to those who naturally have been condemned by poverty. From all indications, every individual in the community is useful to improve lives if given the chance to explore the immediate opportunities. Governments need to equally play a leading role by assisting those who have identified community needs and ready to bring change making use of community knowledge and participation.

Nfor Canicius

Common Initiative Groups in Cameroon (CIG): A true test of Community Development.

Common initiative groups in Cameroon have been in existence for quite a long time taking several forms in different regions across the country. Through village meetings and associations guided by traditional elders and appointed leaders, people were often organize to work in community activities like building community halls, village trenches, maintain roads, pipe borne water projects amongst others. The passage of time has engulfed many different sectors and today it is not only limited to the countryside but has involved city dwellers who act as information belt between the different zones and regions. This article examines the positive changes and transformation brought about through common initiative groups in Cameroon.

The change in attitude towards a formidable involvement in common initiative groups (CIGs) was prompted by the fall in market prizes of cocoa and coffee some twenty years ago in the World Market. Coffee and cocoa were the main cash crops that accounted for about 75% of family incomes. Structural adjustment programs instituted by the Britton woods institutions led to massive redundancy and people had to look for alternative means to feed their families. Whether by chance or destiny from the backdrop of these unforeseen circumstances, common initiative groups have had a remarkable and successive agenda that has gradually changed the lives of the masses.

The Credit Union initiated in 1963 by a Roman Catholic priest from Holland in a remote area in the north-west region of Cameroon with the ambition of helping people in that community raise tuition fees for the education of their children has become one of the main financial institutions in Cameroon with hundreds of branches across the country. Statistics reveals that the credit union started with sixteen (16) members and a saving of two thousand (2200)cfa francs or four and a half dollars, but as of 2008 it now serves some one million five hundred people. Cameroonians have invested trust in the credit union because of transparency in the management of funds. The credit union gives loans with affordable interest rates and this has encouraged people with average incomes to start small businesses. Credit unions also encourage common initiative groups to take group loans and this has inspired the creation of group activities. About 80% of food supplied in most urban cities in Cameroon comes from the countryside where processing, packaging and marketing is done by most CIGs and their affiliates. With little or no support from the government, some of these groups are engaged in food supply around the central African sub region and even beyond. Some groups have bought hectares of arable land for commercial farming while others have created employment opportunities promoting youth entrepreneur development.

The emergence of community radio stations in the late 1990s greatly influenced the activities of common initiative groups. Individuals and groups emerged with ambitious projects and this medium became a platform for the voiceless. These community radio stations broadcast news and announcements in the local dialects and this has created a sense of belonging to people in their respective communities. Some CIG leaders share their creative and innovative skills on radio programs and documentaries and people have become aware of their individual responsibilities to build their communities.  Some of these common initiative groups have drummed support for the continuous maintenance of farm to market roads in some localities, the construction of bridges, health posts, orphanages, schools, ways to fight against juvenile delinquency and school dropouts. Rural-urban migration has encouraged the learned youthful population to act as ambassadors to their respective communities. These young and energetic youth have not only copied the urban rhythm of life and fashion but have gone beyond these to make use of the advanced information and communication technologies benefit their communities. It is normal these days to talk about chain of activities in local communities sponsored and directed by some CIGs located in the big cities. CIGs have emerged with vision and mission such as; the promotion of family values, welfare and gender base development, the promotion of cultural development, training and research writing, improvement of the state and civil society relations, lobby for women’s political participation, female entrepreneur, business skills and leadership development, developing the quality of teacher education, empower parents of kids with disabilities, the list is endless.

CIGs are proving a worthy relation with international NGOs who consider them as reliable partners to promote local ownership and participation which has been recognized as an efficient and appropriate tool towards community development. Some years back, it was revealed that projects designed to benefit local communities never reached the required destination because partners involved had little mastery of the area in question. The strategies use by CIGs is surpassing those barriers because those concern have lived, worked and they know the daily realities of community life. Many partners of development have failed to attain their objectives, but I think it’s time the world should open up to the CIG modus operandi and push development to the ends of the world especially in those communities that have been left in the cold for too long.

Nfor Canicius

                           REVEALING THE BEAUTY OF SEOUL CITY

                       SEOUL: The theatre of entertainment

In the heart of East Asia, Seoul, the capital city of South Korea is upholding the test of a city beyond imagination where surrounding nations stair. Dating back from the 18^th BC, this city moved from the rule of one dynasty to another and had been traumatized by several wars. Despite its shocking revelations, the mighty “SEOUL” has moved from one innovation to another keeping intact its history, originality and cultural heritage; Hey! A good future has its foundation in the past. Seoul is reaching the summit of its ambitions, the world’s most digital city; Wow! What a paradox of positivity. It is no exaggeration saying that, the sky is the only limit to Seoul’s continuous and ever expanding innovative and creative ideas because the city has taken a short time to blossom and attain international recognition. Seoul has become the connecting belt of entertainment in Asia bringing together artists, actors and actresses from around the globe. Some city residents call Seoul, “The Hollywood” of Asia; Oh! Do you remember the Michael Jackson Seoul Tour at the Olympic park stadium, the Paris Bastile Opera, St Petersburg Ballet, the English National Ballet at the Opera House in Seoul? Check it out. It’s always a year round entertainment in Seoul. The city’s entertainment facilities range from traditional and modern structures that give a vivid memory of the cultural heritage of this “Dynamic city”. Watching traditional displays and music as they perform in their unique traditional outfits gives an impression to visitors of a city that makes no distinction of color, race, tribe, culture, ethnic group, or country. Their outfit carries attractive, captivating, tantalizing and gorgeous colors symbolizing unity in diversity. Present day entertainment in Seoul has taken a new dimension where traditional and modern entertainment grounds exist as common identities. Entertainment at any time of day carry the same flavor and excitement that keeps visitors spell bound as they watch with satisfaction and anxiety. There is an efficient and co-coordinated security that guarantees movement within the city at any time. Each season is famous for a particular entertainment or festival, art for fall season, vacation for summer, royal palaces for spring and light for winter. (Korea Tourism Organization)

Spreading from one part of the city to another, open door and indoor entertainment spots have imposing and protruding structures that even the blind can feel their warmth and glamour. The first picture of the Yongsan open door theater in the popular Yongsan electronic market is just a tip of the iceberg when we talk of entertainment in Seoul city. This picture reminds me of the fascinating and easy going names of hot and popular spots in Seoul that no foreigner needs an interpreter to translate. You just need to use your eyes very efficiently. Most of the spots bear romantic and poetic names that are so catchy to the naked eyes, friendly to the mouth and easily digestible in heart that makes you feel much at ease even at first sight. Imagine you are in a stressful situation and you suddenly come across names like “Once in a Blue Moon, Princess, Platinum Microberry, Sheraton Grand Walker hill Casino, Queen, Rolling Stones, Rock.’n’ Roll, Santana, Moon glow, Seoul Pub,” the list is long and endless. A blend of these with Korean names like “Mi, Mu, Munye, Yeakdang, just complement the romantic and poetic trend.

Seoul offers its visitors with a variety of entertainment they will fine no where in the world. The Seoul House is a glaring example of varieties ranging from classical concerts, Opera, traditional music and dance. Live jazz for jazz lovers is very popular. A mélange of sounds vibrating from Karaoke’s and from different angles of the city with fantasy of decorations, flower sofas, attractive balconies is just enough for any visitor either on transit for seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks or months to feel the real satisfaction of his or her money. If you are movie crazy, then you have made the right choice coming to Seoul where the Daehangno district with a good number of theatres gives you a self desired entertainment after an exhausting journey. Quite a good number of movie stars in Korea have gained international reputation that you don’t need to doubt for a second the type of films you will watch that will keep you excited and emotional. You may be fortunate to meet some of the movie stars like director Park Chan-Wood who won the 2004 Cannes Film Festival with the grand Prix for his film “Old boy”, Jeon Do-yeon who won the 2007 Best Actress Festival in Cannes for Secret Sunshine, (KTO) just to name these few. Not only are people making international recognition in Seoul city, places as well. The Lotte World in Seoul, a theme park that draws millions of visitors every year was recognized by the “Guinness Book” of record as the largest indoor theme park in the world with indoor and out door sections; Oh, amazing!  The Seoul Chungmuro International Film Festival gives you just the needed ingredient that crowns your stay in Seoul city. Its particularity is the unique bond that stretches to discover varieties across the globe. Even if you become bored with the films, you can make a natural film by watching and taking a walk through the outstanding geographic landscape that surrounds the city like the Namsan Mountain which is very accessible; Hey! You can make it real. 

 Neighborhoods like Itaewon amongst others gives you a twenty four hours entertainment coupled with the city’s maximum security that works round the clock.                                                                                                                                                 Seoul city is creating an image of its own where there is a common platform that goes beyond entertainment.  Think of going shopping in the Yongsan electronic market, from the magnificent buildings through its beautiful window shutters, your eyes quickly spots the entertainment rostrum with glittering lights coming from all directions that can only be compared to the galaxy of the stars that no one will afford to pass through without getting the real feelings of entertainment and self satisfaction. Walking down the stairs to the entertainment grown gives you a refreshing feeling where the mind and soul can be at peace. Whether by  chance or design, this open door theater is so strategic to business men and women who keep the city booming with economic activities as well as clients who visit the electronic market in their thousands on a daily bases. Described as the electronic “Life Wire” of Korea, the Yongsan electronic market has stood the test of time connecting not only the Korean society but equally neighboring countries as business men and women flog in from far and near for shopping. This shopping center goes beyond shopping because it entertains clients and visitors as they shuffle from one part of the market to another even if just for window shopping. The Yongsan open door theater is the core of entertainment to these men and women who keep the economy booming even on days that their proceeds or expectations are not met. It is never too late to go shopping or be entertained here for the satisfaction one gets at any hour of day is measurable not really by one’s financial strength but by the comfort and soul searching sounds that feeds the heart. Not only for adults as some may think. Children during their free hours or days are led here by their parents who guide them through to enjoy games and have fun with friends. Seoul is a city that value talents of young people. Are you bored with your child or children at home? Oh! ,here is a place where they will find satisfaction and pleasure as they enjoy the beauty of nature, learning to figure out what belongs to their generation and preparing for challenges that this global world offers as the days pass by. At the same time you can go on shopping as the children distract themselves. After shopping you can end your day by sharing part of your time enjoying the pleasant gift and comfort Seoul city offers. It cost nothing to make you happy. Staying at home all the time is like being in a closet. Why not go out and discover the beauty of Seoul with your family and friends. If you are visiting Seoul for your first time, never think of hunger. Within twenty five meters in each street, you find a restaurant with delicious traditional and western dishes accompanied by many side dishes that are so attractive to the eyes, tasteful in the mouth and comfortable in the stomach. You don’t need to border if you are a vegetarian, every thing is here for you; Oh! Enjoy your meals. Visiting Seoul is like being in paradise. Visit Seoul and its glamorous, splendid and spectacular sites and be the first to tell the story.

                    The Cheong Gye Cheon River: The pride of Seoul

The Cheong Gye Cheon River has a remarkable history that dates as far as far back as 1394. With sad memories of its past when flooding and refuge dumping was quite visible, Cheong Gye Cheon river is today one of the most exciting and captivating sites in Seoul city that no visitor will dare to visit Seoul without visiting the banks of this river that carries the symbol of an “Ever Green City”, where aquatic life, birds and flowers gives a natural attraction that cuts across the city. The city and its environs has become an urban oasis that offers a number of recreational facilities. These innovations have greatly enhanced the natural quality of the river. Seoul city residents are aware of their responsibilities and are proud of this task to protect and keep this precious gift that only few cities in the world are privilege to possess. Who says cleanliness is not next to Godliness? The river is pollution and refuge free and stands out as a clear indication of the city’s initiative in combating environmental degradation and climate change which is today one of the most challenging problems the world is facing. Cheong Gye Cheon has been and will ever remain an outstanding element in the city of Seoul that has gone and is still going through innovations that one can describe here without any fear of contradiction as the “Heart Beat of Asia”. The restoration of this river that took many years to complete is described as one of the most expensive construction and historic break-point in human history that cost the Korean government some eighty billion won. The course of this river is crowned and beautified by its’ numerous bridges that are outstanding in structure and design. In the Gwanghwamun neighborhood the river sprawls out like a small water fall with less steepness in the heart of the city. The pattern of arrangement is perfect and the display of architecture that fills the banks of the river is as gorgeous and captivating as the paths in the ancient world of Israel that until date is a significant tourist’s destination in the world. Have you ever imagined the sound of classical music filtering into your ears in the deep sea as the water waves blow through? The Cheong Gye Cheon River will give you such an experience. This area brings to mine a vivid picture of the “Marian Apparition” in Lourdes France since 1858, where it is believed the mother of God appeared to a poor peasant girl “Bernadette Soubirous”, and gave her the power of healing from a small spring in the area which until date testimonies of miracles beyond medical examination has been on record and it draws millions of visitors every year. Even if the Cheong Gye Cheon river does not have the same healing powers like the “Mariam Apparition “ in Lourdes France, it has some significant events that Koreans pay homage; Oh,! You can be part of it. It is regarded as part and parcel of the Korean people, it host events like the bridge stepping festivities, team events, the lantern festival amongst others. Visit the Cheong Gye Cheon river side in Gwanghwamun when the blazing sun gives way to the bright and colorful blend of lights in the night from luxurious cars that ply the streets, the magnificent buildings and the fabulous street lights that combine together like galaxy in the sky; Hey! You will confirm that Seoul is a world in just a city where professionalism and investment in history is its driving force. Cheong Gye Cheong has lived with the people is still living with the people and shall continue to live with the people for generations to come. When you walk or jug through the banks of the Cheong Gye Cheong or take a friendly conversation with love ones, your mind set becomes so different and your views and aspirations about life automatically changes . If you feel distress, visit the Cheong Gye Cheon, if you feel isolated or abandoned by the world, visit the Cheong Gye Cheon and your tears will be wiped away and happiness will take precedence over your sad feelings. The entertainment offered by the Cheong Gye Cheong river is not limited within it banks. To pay homage to the river’s giant restoration that made history around the globe, a museum was constructed in Seoul known as the Cheong Gye Cheon Museum. This museum is an icon of Seoul city and it attracts hundreds and millions of visitors and tourists yearly. This museum tells the true story of Cheong Gye Cheong from the time of kingdoms and dynasty in Korea, to the Japanese invasion, it drastic transformation and circumstances that led to the present day Cheong Gye Cheong that is living it foot prints on the sands of time in Seoul city and Asia in general. If you plan to visit, live and enjoy Seoul, make sure Cheong Gye Cheon is one of your destinations.

                    Gyeongbok Palace: Harmonizing Seoul

The Gyeongbok palace was founded in 1395 by king Taejo and was constructed as the primary palace of the Chosun kingdom. The palace like most ancient structures in Korea suffered from foreign invasion before attaining its present position. It was and still remains the epicenter of power for Korean kings. Gyeongbok means “Shinning Happiness”, and this happiness signifies the warmth and hospitality that visitors receive from the ever smiling, handsome, beautiful, host and hostesses when they visit Gyeongbok palace. Located on the flanks of the mountain that harbor some natural vegetation with its undulating steepness and spectacular geographic features, the palace is a symbol of natural beauty with a mélange of ancient and modern structures. Its green and attractive environment keeps the mind and soul together as one walks through the airy paths enjoying the gentle breeze that blows from the mountain top and beautiful melodies from the birds and other natural creatures that inhabit the mountain. From a side view of this picture, the  419.100 square meters palace is a symbol of strength, unity and success of the Korean people who have worked so hard to preserve their culture in a world where globalization seem to be breaking all cultural barriers. Although the palace has gone through innovations, its cultural identity and significance is still a force to reckon with. From the traditional roofing system to the walls, the windows and doors, every visitor or tourists goes home with a story to write and tell. The fascinating beauty of this palace and other palaces across the city of Seoul can only be compared to the ancient kingdoms of Egypt that is one of the greatest destinations for tourists in the world. Korean palaces are very attractive with very unique colors that have direct connection with nature where raw materials are transformed into more convenient designs. This has culminated to the inclusion of these traditional palaces amongst the world heritage of UNESCO. No visit in Seoul city is complete until you must have passed through the traditional doors in the palaces, seen the wonders of ancient Korean designs and the famous statues of kings and notables who laid the foundation of this prosperous and ever growing city that is setting a smooth and perfect pace for other cities to follow; Wow!  The geographic location of this palace brings to mind the pattern of ancient civilization where settlement was concentrated in the valleys with their fertile soils rich in agriculture and the hill tops harbored the forest which had live giving plants that could cure any diseases. It was also believed that the forest harbored the gods and ancestors who watched over the people and protected them from eminent danger. When one visit this palace and takes a walk on the slopes of the mountain, you feel the touch of nature and the higher you go the more you become connected with natural feelings. Viewing the palace from the mountain top which stretches to the Seoul Tower, the beauty of Seoul is deeply recognized as the eyes get busy with the numerous and gigantic buildings that cuts across the city with its busy commuters who work round the clock to give a well deserved reception to visitors and tourists who come in their thousands every day. The beauty of the Gyeongbok palace is not limited to its natural surroundings. The inner circle of the palace has artifacts that tell you the real story of the Korean people and their past. Life performances of the Korean traditional music keep visitors spell bound. Dressed in their unique traditional and colorful regalia, these flexible men and women swing from one end to another with very captivating smiles, gestures that gives you the real feeling of belonging. If you are bored with the rhythm of life in the city, visit the Cheongbok palace and get the real inspiration that brings you back to your real world. You can enjoy all these beautiful places in Seoul with a lot of convenience following the city’s efficient and smooth transportation system which ranks amongst the best in the world. All these and other factors has made Seoul city one of the most vibrant and exciting city in Asia. “Seoul my City, Your City, Seoul and You” Simply put “SOUL OF ASIA”.

Nfor Canicius

Volunteerism: A reckoning force for NGOs and the civil society in South Korea

Volunteerism is an old phenomenon that is rooted in the early communities of human settlement that impacted the lives of individuals and groups. Evolution in history has shaped this concept to fit into the socio-cultural, economic and political arena of human activities. NGOs and civil society organizations in South Korea through voluntary social services recorded significant changes in the country’s history that led to a gradual transition from a dictatorial to a democratic regime. A look at some factors will elucidate the link between volunteerism, NGOs and the civil society in South Korea.

The voluntary sector in South Korea is proliferated with NGOs that work as substitutes, collaborators and opponents to the government. The manner in which volunteers take up their assigned responsibilities is like a subject that is thought in a school’s curriculum. It is alleged that some companies or organizations will give preference to job seekers who have a good volunteer record. It is quite common for students to give up part of their semester and assist in volunteer work that improves the quality of live for some people. There are NGOs in Korea that each year they use about eleven (11000) volunteers both at the national and international level to boost their activities. Irrespective of age and the personality factor, most Koreans feel indebted in serving their community with utmost love and concern. The proceeds from most NGOs come from freely registered members who make it a point of duty for regular or irregular contribution to the organization they are affiliated too. The benefit they receive from such gestures is just the satisfaction that there is transparency and judicious management of the resources by the organization in question.

In a survey conducted by a Korean voluntary organization in 1997, about sixty (60) thousand recognized organizations are actively engaged in community activities. In an article by Kim (2004), he looks at the evolution of civil society organizations in three significant phases in South Korea; In the first phase in 1960s, voluntary organizations had as mission to provide services that citizens needed most. Focus was therefore on welfare services and development projects for poverty alleviation. In 1987, civil society organizations acted on behalf of average citizens and demanded the judicious management of public institutions, equal rights, democracy and justice. In the third phase in 1990, the civil society expressed the desire for more equitable and transparent management of public resources and citizens participation in public debates. It is noted that the composition of civil society leadership, party politics and the popular perception of democracy gave a major push to the already existing voluntary desire nursed in the minds of Koreans.

McCurley and Lynch (1996) looks at changes and development of NGOs to mean “...sense of civic duty, those who feel obligated to give back what they got, religious conviction, those who want to make a difference in the world, those who feel the need to help others and those who believe in the cause”. Most renowned NGOs in South Korea are affiliated to religion. This religious connotation enhance the desire to volunteer and this has gone beyond limits as most civil society organizations apply this modus operandi to win more followers to their course. This collective identity under the umbrella of religion has created some degree of consciousness to employees and those who willingly give up their services to the entire community. Although religion has encouraged more voluntary services masterminded by NGOs, volunteerism is a common platform where action is taken without distinction or religious denomination.

Cash donation as a fund raising strategy put in place by NGOs which has drawn much attention from the general public to participate in voluntary services. Cash donation exercises targets pupils, students and adults from all works of life to contribute any cash amount they have in some designated areas across big cities. This exercise has been an awareness campaign that has inculcated the spirit of volunteer across all age groups. Every Korean irrespective of age and status in the society wants to be identified with one volunteer service or another which seems to boost their personality factor. This can equally be compared to the obligatory military service for all men in Korea. Those who fail to join this obligatory military service are considered unfit to join the rank of men.

Celebrities are often use as ambassadors of peace in most international humanitarian organizations to send across a specific message. Most South Korean NGOs team up with some celebrities who volunteer to offer performances on their behalf to raise funds and awareness on pertinent issues in the society. This is called cultural marketing and has been an eye opener to the general public who see no reason to stay behind when others are making an impact whenever they are called with every means they have.

Volunteer services through corporate social responsibility have given a boost to Korean NGOs. Renowned NGOs partner with multinational companies and through their assistance, volunteers are hired to work at the domestic and international level. In return these companies brandish their brand name in schools, hospitals or bridges constructed by these NGOs.  Although this strategy has been criticized by some scholars as being a marketing tool for multinational companies and overriding the original ambitions of NGOs, this has gone a long way to make some of these NGOs open up new grounds in alleviating poverty.

There is absolute need to consider volunteers and their services as an important component of any organization. Gann (1996) indicates that “the setting and enforcing of policies involving volunteers are two of the most visible ways you can demonstrate commitment and integration of volunteers in your organization”. Ellis (1996) also mentions that “the ability to recruit volunteers is strongly and directly connected to your organizations image in the community. If the public sees your agency effectively filling a need, it will be easier to encourage volunteers to join you”. The example of Korean NGOs is worth emulating by other NGOs that aspire to stand tall in poverty alleviation. The spirit of volunteering can make any organization move further if and only the rights of volunteers are not abused.

Nfor Canicius

Misrepresenting African Pride

Africa has been at the crossroads of events in human history beginning from the period of human slavery and colonisation marked by institutional conspiracy. The slow pace of development in this continent may partly be attributed to the traumatising events of the time which divided families, communities and destroyed the ambitions of patriotic individuals who could be true representatives of the people. Land conflict, which is still a cause for concern in some parts of Africa, is due to the uncompromising land demarcation and boundaries put in place by the colonial powers.  According to this writer, Africans themselves also share part of the blame that has gradually destroyed the cultural heritage of this continent and has contributed to the unprecedented economic stagnation sending signals of a continent without portfolio.

African kings and chiefs believed without much reserve in the doctrine of the “Whiteman” and were ready to offer human souls in exchange for “expensive drinks”. Those patriotic Africans who opposed to this new pact were seen as enemies of progress and were put on the blacklist. Fifty years after many African countries achieved independence, we seem to have made very little progress. The kings and chiefs, in whom Africans bestowed their trust and confidence, betrayed the people and land of plenty. Kings and chiefs are being use as political weapons against their own people and politics has taken the central stage of their cultural agenda. Traditional titles are awarded these days not on the basis of competence like what prevailed in the early days but on the basis of political might and financial strength. Land conflicts in some cases are fuelled by tribal leaders for egoistic reasons which often result to loss of human lives and enormous economic damage. Traditional palaces which used to be reserved for important traditional ceremonies have been turned to polling stations during elections. Some African dictators use them as a means to an end to stick to power. Few bank notes or even coins today will stimulate a king or chief to dance in public, shake hands with nonentities and even open his traditional shrine to strangers, which formerly was reserved only for village elders. Traditional streams or rivers guarded and kept intact by our forefathers as secret areas of worship and places to honour the dead have been opened to tourists under the pretext of development.

As an African, I had the fundamental conviction that shrines and traditional places were only an issue of the developing world but after visiting some Asian countries it is a different story. Some of these countries honour their shrines and traditional places than we do in Africa and this has helped to preserve their long history and culture. In spite of the fact that the caprices of development is sweeping through the Asian continent, the people are very proud of keeping their historical and cultural legacy. For example, South Korea has ten World Heritage sites recognised by UNESCO. Amongst them are royal tombs and historic villages of Korea. There are twelve other sites still on the tentative list pending recognition by UNESCO. I visited a site in Korea that was kept close for fifteen years and was only opened recently to the public. Likewise as of 2011, Japan has thirteen world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO amongst them, ancient monuments, historic villages, shrines, temples and sacred sites. I followed a documentary in one developing country in South America where a special day in the year is reserved for the dead and it is believe that on this day there is direct communication with those who died hundreds if not thousands of years ago. I have the conviction that our African kings and chiefs dance too much to the tune of mental and moral development than those who initiated the concept.

This negligence has allowed outsiders to exploit the African pride and misrepresent who the real Africans are. Some western NGOs through the media have been at the forefront of this misrepresentation and this has given the impression to some people that nothing good can come from Africa. The worst pictures of famine, misery and war comes from Africa. Am not defending the fact that Africa is free from the above problems but if some organisations want to portray the image of Africa, let them also show the other side of Africa people do not see, know, hear or have any in-depth knowledge. As an NGO professional, I deeply appreciate the efforts of some NGOs that have served and are still serving the lives of many across the continent. We expect a lot of professionalism from some of these bodies. Rather than dance to the tune of those who have destroyed the continent and frustrated many generations.

 Let us look forward to a new generation of think tanks from the civil society that are able to identify mistakes of the past and draw a new road map that will permit both parties to change the lives of those in despair without harming their pride. African kings and chiefs need to write a new page in the golden book of history that will identify them not as destroyers to the once rich African culture or playing partisan politics to keep asunder families, tribes and regions but re-cultivate the spirit of protecting the cultural patrimony passed on to them by their forefathers in a bit to reignite the pride of Africa.

Nfor Canicius

The Emmancipation of Women in Cameroon

Every year women in Cameroon join their counterpart worldwide to celebrate the International Day of the Woman on March 8^th.  This annual celebration is often faced with debate from different schools of thought. While women consider March 8^th as a time of reckoning when they send messages across the international community on their plight, their male counterpart see this as a mere celebration and nothing to write home about. 

On the average, approximately fifty three percent of the population in Cameroon is made up of women. This is a reasonable percentage that can contribute to the well-being and emancipation of women. Unfortunately for generations their cry has been the same “emancipation”. If emancipation is anything to go by, it should first be demonstrated by the women themselves. They need to free themselves from ordained cultures that some claim was handed to them by their ancestors and should never be stopped. The practice of female genital mutilation is widely condemned in Cameroon but this practice is widely perpetuated by women in some local communities.  Women in Cameroon have failed to identify themselves as a collective entity that can fight for change and bridge the gap existing between men and women. The agricultural sector in Cameroon is dominated by women. They are involved in farming and the marketing of farm products.  Women in Cameroon have been behind the peaceful co-existence of the country that has made Cameroon to gain the appellation “Island of Peace” . Every household is able to put food on the table thanks to the relentless efforts of women who toil and work every day under the hot sun, rain, and stormy weather. Women in Cameroon are blessed with such virtues, why can’t they use this position to make Cameroon a country of equality where women will hold high positions in government and other national institutions same as their male counterpart? Laws in Cameroon are quiet flexible and women are free to get to higher heights if they meet the requirements. Unfortunately it is the same group of women who will rally against their female folk who endeavor to represent them in parliament; the same women will oppose other women who put up their candidatures as party leaders to represent them in an election; the list is endless. Charity begins at home and until women realize they need to start thinking and acting responsibly in issues that surround their own sex, then the cry for emancipation will never be anything to write home.

The African culture gives an upper hand to men to decide on the well-being of the family and children. This belief is still very strong especially in the Muslim community in Cameroon. The boy child in the Muslim community in Cameroon is suited to guard animals while the girl child is designed to be given out for marriage in the early stages of her life even without the consent of the mother. This practice is deeply imbedded in such communities that women are relegated to the background and at all times answerable to their husbands. This has frustrated most young girls who finally end up in big cities as street prostitutes. Early marriages have therefore made most women to have the conviction that emancipation is more of a fallacy than something real. These are the kind of issues men expect their women to address and fight for during international celebrations. Unfortunately the reputation of International day celebrations in Cameroon has been very disappointing. It is on such days that women get drunk, fornicate and even threatened divorce from their spouses. If this reputation is real, then the men have a strong point to argue that if women are given the same equal rights and opportunities they have been demanding, then family relations will be further weakened and the number of street children especially girls will be countless.

In a bit to draw a line of equality between men and women, both parties need to stay away from the blame game and create a common ground of understanding. Statistics reveals that suspicion is one of the main issues that have created inequality between men and women in Cameroon. At any moment the woman is given an upper hand to manage certain issues, she automatically becomes too vibrant and violent making it difficult for comprehensive agreements to come into play. For example divorce rates are increasing in some communities because the salaries of men and women have become too competitive than it used to be. Making a sound judgment, this should not be a point of discord because the world economy has been and is still undergoing changes that resources need to be assembled and the fundamental success of this begins from a comprehensive family responsibility.

Women emancipation should not in any way be a dividing factor in Cameroon but should create a forum where men and women share their common values and work towards a future that undermines the harmful effects of culture and embrace a culture that overrides the challenges of globalization that has been further compounded by the acceleration of the new information and communication technology.Women should put into effect their inbuild talents and become real representatives of their communities. International NGOs are willing to work with those groups of women who are able to represent the voiceless and promote local ownership which has been identified as an approporiate tool to get people in the grassroots become more engage in their own development. The government on its part should create structures that will help women become self sufficient and build the fundamental values of their rights. Such structures will make the women feel concern and instead of agitating for their rights, they will work to find common grounds to build and strengthen the already existing institutions for the good of the society.

 Written by Nfor Canicius

The World is bleeding from its own weapons



The ugly reality of the 2008 global financial crisis is still looming on the corridors of financial giants across the globe. It has been difficult to predict with exactitude if this drama is still on stage or if the curtains have been drawn to give way to another sweeping start. Statisticians, economic barons and political pundits have had their own stories to tell labelling and pointing fingers to major actors on both sides of the game.

The first global financial meltdown occurred in 1929 and was partly blamed on the political and financial regulations of Britton Woods’s institutions and speculation from financial giants. Most countries were also blamed for the practice of protectionist economic system. Most global institutions have undergone structural changes to give a new meaning to world economy problems. Onlookers are watching how these events are unfolding with a lot of curiosity and uncertainty. The most frightening thing about this is the fact that major powers fragile nations depended and invested much hope and optimism seems to be crashing out of the race. Most people doubt if the “Structural Power” enjoyed by the United States of America for centuries is on the brims of collapse. Since the 2008 global financial crunch, bailouts to multinational corporations, economic fluctuation and redundancy has pondered everyone asking if America will ever be the same again. This has taken a deep political under tune as Republicans and Democrats fight to remain on top and stay in top form. The calamity of events prompted one great leader to refer to the United States as “a country living above its means” Major European nations are also plunged into this dilemma as bailouts and rescue packages have been the main cards on the table in major conferences these days. The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde recently remarked that to overcome global recovery, there is need for new and tougher policies. The world order has created a situation that is turning its ugly face and innocent souls have become sacrificial lamps to the system. Although bailout worked before like the glaring example of South Korea in 1979, today one will have the impression that it’s a mere “try an error game” For example, member states of the Euro zone have been in disagreement over the bailout package to the sinking Greece.

Though analysts describe the Arab Awakening as a time bomb, one factor that has instigated the revolution has been the social media where young and energetic revolutionaries have taken the major roles. Some authoritarian regimes decided to shoot down the system but the flow of information continued. Wiki leaks became an enemy of progress after he exposed secret and diplomatic cables of some giant nations. The so called IT revolution praised by many suddenly became a suspicious tool in the eyes of major world players who never thought the system could one day work against their own favor. Some NGOs have come to the lamp light trying to make the world understand how harmful the internet can be to the present generation of young stars. Some teenagers have become too violent because of the kind of movies or games they are exposed to.

Last year, the scientific community came under scrutiny and criticisms after it was noted that some predictions and findings lacked precision and satisfactory results. Recently a dead satellite was to reach the earth but unfortunately those who created this magnificent and captivating equipment doubted where exactly it was going to fall and the scale of the damage it could cause.

There is the common saying that when the West sneezes, Africa catches a cold. Developing nations are mostly entrapped in circumstances of innovation. Looking at the present economic turmoil, one will be forced to ask, what will become  of developing countries in the phase of these new structural policies when most of the developing nations are still struggling to recover from the structural adjustment programme imposed on them by the Britton Woods institutions some years back that brought suffering and misery to many households? Billions if not trillions of dollars has been spent as aid to deliver Africa from poverty unfortunately the situation is yet to benefit the masses.

With coercive and structural power, world giants brandished globalisation or the new world order with the ambition of qualitative changes to attain higher heights in the development leader, but the passage of time has proven that no country no matter how powerful it may be is spared from the ill effects of the system that has pushed the world bleeding from its own weapons.

More collective effort is needed that involves social forces and the world order inclusive. The world order depends on time and space and much can only be achieved if institutions; ideology and the personality factor are no longer seen in terms of regions of the world but as a common entity to solve the present world crises. Developing nations and especially African countries should cease this opportunity and fit into the system so that whatever changes are put on the table, they will be involved in decision making and not be considered  as “late comers of development” all the time. It is high time developing countries put on their thinking caps; develop leadership and economic strategies for developed nations to abide to their new agenda.

 Nfor Canicius

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Community Participation: The Korean example

There is nothing great in life like giving back to the community that nurtured and molded us to whom we are and who we have become. Some people see this a right, others a favor while others think everything should be left at the mercy of nature. The human character is shaped by historical evolution and by the immediate environment where we pursue our day to day intereaction. Community participation in the early days of mankind gave more meaning to equity, rationality and the believe that every contribution that sorted to identify the ideals of freedom inspired minds to fight for changes that were not only short lifted but changes that gave meaning to the course of struggle writing the wrongs of the past.

Every society or community has a history and until we trace the historical diversity that characterize that community, we cannot understand why they apply the modus operandi which is different from others.  My inspiration to write this article comes from the koreans who toiled and suffered invasion from their powerful Japanese neighbors and few years later the Korean War devastated most of the peninsular country. The losses encured by Koreans were enormous from economic, cultural, human and the reduction of arable land. Kingdoms and dynasties were destroyed and are today mere shadows of the past. Dictatorial regimes that followed in the 70′s and 80′s further exacerbated the situation but this never distracted the people from the ideology of ” United we stand and divided we fall”.

Civil society movements in South Korea made community participation to be recognized as a national anthem as they stood their grounds protecting minority rights, inculcate confidence building within members of the society, and above all their endeavor to encourage local ownership. Civil society involvement in party politics and th general perception of democracy shaped the ideology of not only scholars but tthe common man on the street. Political, economic and cultural turbulence gave Koreans brevity and this promoted the culture of hardwork, volunteerism and a strong feeling and attachment towards their feeding culture. If community participation is anything to go by then volunteerism in the Korean society is one of the main ingredient that kept the progressive pace of development and unity in this peninsular country. In the words of Mccurley and Lynch (1996) ” A volunteer is a citizen who freely not in performance of specific moral obligations or legal duties, bases his public and private life on the pursuit of solidarity. Once the civic, civil and personal duties have been performed, the volunteer therefore places himself disninterestedly at the disposal of the community, forstering a creative response to newly emerging local needs, giving priority to attending to the poor, the deprived, the marginalized and the powerless.”

Even if other factors contributed to the rapid development South Korea has attained in the last fifty years which recently raised her status from a recipient to a donor nation among members of the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD), praises can be attributed without any fear of contradiction to the fundamental principles of community participation that brought hope to the despair. World friends of Korea, the Korean version of the American peace corps created in May 2010 has been working around the world to encourage the spirit of community participation. The Korean culture of community participation if emulated by other communities will break through the existing silence and stamp out the laissez-faire attitude that has greatly contributed to stagnant economic growth and development and over reliance on foreign aid especially in developing countries.

Written by Nfor Canicius