INTRODUCTION
The Ubuntu
spirit is an integral part the African society. Tanzania’s development
relied on the spirit of volunteerism for the implementation of its activities.
Volunteers in all aspect of nation building are the pillars of our society
today. They
are acutely aware of the needs (of the society) and are always in search of
solutions (to challenges). The unselfish and often selfless work of our
volunteers cannot be quantified, but must be extolled as a priceless possession
of the Tanzanian experience. The national development of Tanzania has, over the years,
been facilitated and energized by voluntary service. The
social and economic development of Tanzania is among other areas that rely
on the spirit of volunteerism for (the) successful implementation of their programs.
Tanzania needs it and we are challenged to respond. National development work
with communities involves organizing, influencing and taking action. It also
includes promoting active participation of people within communities, using the
power of collective voice and of collective action and empowering communities
to recognize existing skills, knowledge and expertise. However, the following points that I will
share below are my reflections on how volunteers can cultivate culture to
National Development particularly in the attainment of the Millennium
Development Goals.
VOLUNTEERISM
CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Culture of Self Reliance and Sustainability
The late Mwalimu Nyerere envision the goal of self-reliance
in its mission to end rural poverty, supports a project that creates jobs and
contributes to local industries and culture by bringing sustainable development
to the community. Self-reliance is defined in three ways, knowing that people
can solve a problem for themselves, ensuring that they have the resources and
skills to do something about it, and granting them freedom from external obstacles.
Giving people money doesn’t necessarily solve a problem. People don’t want to be dependent; at least
not for a long time and communities should be the masters of their own.
The culture of dependency is very evident, people always
demand that even for their good, they must be paid or given a setting allowance
for trainings but do not see the benefits of the training that will help them
improve. I have nothing against getting a setting allowance but I am against the
wrong motivation that it brings to people. People just want the money, who does not want money by the way? However, they are keen enough to acquire skills that
will help or benefit them in the future.
Culture of Transparency and
Accountability
Tanzania should not be discussing about
the escrow scandal now if the culture of transparency and
accountability is practice and observe in all levels of the Tanzanian society.
To ensure an ethical organizational
culture deeply rooted in the values of honesty and integrity, and committed to
accountability, collaboration and innovation in all its activities.
He detrimental and draining effects of corruption, it is a huge problem and it
is a serious challenge that affects and should unite us all.
Corruption
defies and undermines fundamental human rights. It exacerbates
poverty. It deepens inequality by diverting money sorely needed for
health care, education and other essential services in our societies. It
increases the costs of doing business. It distorts markets. It
impedes economic growth. It is driven by and feeds criminal
activity. It results in malfunctioning State institutions and weak
governance. A barrier to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and
our work for a more equitable and prosperous world.
It is
clear that corruption is a challenge that not one segment of society can solve
alone. We have to do it together. Nobody can do everything, but
everybody can do something. To achieve sustainable results, we all must
take up the fight — business alongside with governments, civil society, the
United Nations and other international organizations.
Culture of Empowerment for Personal and Professional Development
Through
mentoring and role modeling, volunteers will provide new skills and experience
to the communities. The once inexperienced community members through their
newly acquired skills, help them find employment or they will generate employment for the others members. With the confidence
that they acquired and the financial benefits that they are enjoying will help
increase their social inclusion social
inclusion, physical and psychological wellbeing and career opportunities. And
also this will help build to bridge the gap of inequality.
Sad enough to say, that so many
Tanzanians are not employed but the country is host to a lot of expats both from
East African hubs and from the rest of world. It is due to the demand of the
market for skilled labor that the Tanzania society cannot provide as of the
moment. To ensure economic growth, then
Tanzania should invest more in education and skills development training to
meet the demand of the market.
Culture of Innovation
Being able to accept
that the world is changing and being open to more changes to come, the communities
will often have tremendous insights and ideas that lead to new innovations. And these ideas and innovations don’t always
come from experts. Sometimes the greatest innovations come from novices and
backroom tinkers. It is also a fact that
no one holds all the cards in
developing new innovation and it often brings new perspectives and ideas to the
innovation process. Most often, I observed that rarely I can find individuals
trying to innovate to lessen the work or burden to increase productivity. Tanzania
has an edge in terms of the resources. However, due to the lack of innovation,
they lagged behind their neighboring
countries. One example of this is the packaging of the finish products or the
innovation of post-harvest technology to lessen the spoilage or to reduce the
cost of the finish product instead of importing
from other countries.
Culture of Learning through Reflective Practice
Reflective practice is a key
business strategy. It encourages workers to reflect in meaningful ways on
what is and isn't working in the society.it provides a natural structure for mentoring and
peer feedback to the citizens to work together to solve individual
and collective problems and find solutions to nagging questions.
The heart of reflective practice
is a spirit of inquiry, of asking "Why this happening is" and "what
can we do about it?" This art of questioning is critical to both
individual and organizational improvement. Without it, we stagnate and fail to
adapt to change.
Learning
through reflective practice is also a key talent management tool. It helps
individuals identify opportunities for growth and skill-building. It also helps
the nation determine gaps in knowledge and skill, as well as where there are pockets
of innovation, creativity
Conclusion
Volunteering has and must continue to be a fundamental
part of effective community development work. Volunteer involving organizations have
demonstrated the contribution being made towards core values of developing
cultures importance in national development. The government that clearly recognize that they could not
offer services to the extent that they do without the gift of time, knowledge
and skills offered by volunteers.
Studies have shown that there is a lot that the
volunteering can offer to any proposed community development
framework. There is a wealth of good practice knowledge and experience which
can support groups who are aiming to engage local people in meaningful ways
through community development programs. This includes guidance on how local
people can be attracted, trained, properly managed and retained. Furthermore,
it can also offer guidance in how complementary relationships between paid
workers and volunteers can be formed. There are many communities in Tanzania
which can benefit from national development work which includes volunteers who
are willing to offer their help. It is important that time is given to
considering and clarifying the relationship between national development and
volunteering.
Therefore, be part of the story on change and
development, continue to share your skills, you are changing lives for the
better. Be a volunteer.
1 Panel Presentation, International
Volunteer’s Day. December 5, 2014, National College of Tourism, Dar Es Salaam
