More than once, while in Congo we heard the complaints when wealthy NGO’s zoomed by us in expensive Land Rovers. The amount of money spent in support of foreigners to operate in third world countries is huge. Foreign workers, with the best of intentions, have the best accommodations and drive the best vehicles. A doctor with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) explained to us during a flight to Bunia that they are paid wages equal to a doctors salary in Geneva. Can you imagine what locals think when they see these expenses?
In contrast, our sewing project required USD $3,000. Dorcas has provided a new report confirming that they have been producing and selling school uniforms for $8 with a cost of $6. In the last three months, they have reported earnings of $468 from 234 uniforms which was used to purchase food, medical supplies and tuition costs for the neediest at the school. Further, people producing the uniforms are personally earning $2 per uniform which takes a day to produce plus rent is being paid to the school for orphans. The standard local wage is $.75 per day. While very small in scale, this is clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of micro-projects, working with local NGO’s.
Standard School Uniform
Experienced sewers train students and produce uniforms
Thank you for the smiles
Bens in Congo 
2 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 12, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Dot Suggett
Actually, the problem is not, or at least not limited to,expats with NGO’s. In West Africa we saw very wealthy Africans working for NGO’s, whizzing by our 15 year old vehicle in their new and shiny SUV’s.They could also afford to sent their children to the most expensive school in the country, at rates that were more that triple what we paid for our kids’ university tuition. The problem, as I see it, is NGO’s that have huge budgets and spend a disproportionate amount local administration and salaries. An amount which isn’t included in the 10-20% “administration fees” of most charitable organisations, by the way.
Your point about grassroots projects, like the Sewing Project, is still completely valid. If you can find a faithful supervisor and manager you do see impressive results with very reasonable costs. Keep up the good work in Butembo!
October 15, 2014 at 1:25 pm
Jacob Ginter
Good point Michael – our inability to live at the level of nationals in poverty stricken countries creates more harm than good…
Jacob Ginter Mobilization Manager
World Team Canada I http://www.ca.worldteam.org
905.821.6300 I 800.610.9788
God Centred. People Focused