Monday, January 26, 2015

IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERISM FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT


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

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