"Participation Builds Unity"
"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA"
"Participation Builds Unity"
"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA"
PRESENTS
THE TSUNAMI DISASTER
CIVIL SOCIETY IS A CRITICAL LINK
04 January 2005
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We would like to express our sincere condolences to all at loss following the Tsunami Disaster in South Asia
"Never before has so much been done by so many for the so needy"
The tragic aftermath of the tsunami disaster in South Asia will undoubtedly produce some heart warming stories of courage and selflessness. Already, the devastation has united the world in grief and mobilised mankind into action on a grand scale. Never before has so much been done by so many to help those so desperately in need.
The world has united in an effort to assist the victims of this tsunami disaster, appropriately referred to as ‘a tragedy of biblical proportions’. The full extent of this disaster is yet to emerge when the numbers of those still missing are added to the staggering numbers of those who did not survive.
Says Peter Metcalfe, CEO of the Foundation for the Development of Africa (FDA): “Participation builds unity and offering assistance to the millions in need following this disaster has united people across the globe".
Fund raising efforts unlike any seen before have been launched and millions are being donated to international aid agencies for distribution to those affected. Yet, the mammoth task of distributing this aid is hampered by the lack of structured efforts on the ground to ensure responsible distribution to the needy.
"The role of civil society must be acknowledged and their invaluable efforts must be capacitated," says Metcalfe. "In some of the effected areas in Thailand, local civil society mobilised relief efforts within two hours after the brunt of the tsunami."
Control centres emerged allowing for the ascertaining of the situation, mobilising of relief efforts, assisting victims, motivating victims to assist victims and co-ordinating a host of services – long before government aid relief efforts arrived on the scene.
Civil Society could be defined as voluntary associations, organisations, movements and networks that live and work in the social space outside the state and the private sector.
The World Bank states: "We have learned through two decades of interaction that CSO’s (Civil Society Organisations) can play an important role in helping to amplify the voices of the poorest people in the decisions that affect their lives, improve development effectiveness and sustainability, and hold governments and policymakers publicly accountable. The participation of CSO’s (Civil Society Organisations) in World Bank-financed projects can enhance operational performance and sustainability by contributing local knowledge, technical expertise, and social legitimacy. CSO’s (Civil Society Organisations) can bring innovative ideas and solutions as well as participatory approaches to solve local problems."
Metcalfe explains: “Civil society must be seen as an instrument to provide much needed interaction with the people on the ground. It is evident that, in Africa, interactions between our people, communities, business and governments needs to be addressed to ensure broad-based participation, and in this civil society organisations play a vital role. For this critical function, civil society should be acknowledged and their efforts should be capacitated as we face other challenges on the continent and around the world.”
This comment and information was prepared for and on behalf of the Foundation for the Development of Africa by:
CIVIL SOCIETY IS A CRITICAL LINK
Monique Terrazas
+27 11 764 5507
084 864 7024
monique@isupportafrica.com
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