If nothing traditional aid agencies are doing is working
What does different look like?
You do not teach a man to fish by buying him all the equipment, building him a boat, building a fishing school, and paying him to attend it.
This is the model of all aid.
Give a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. The saying may be true but in world aid the application is not. Aid programs and kind hearted donors use new buzzwords but rarely change how they apply aid in the real sense. You best teach a man to fish when he is a young boy, and his father shows him how to carve a pole, cut some line, make a hook, and find bate. How to cast, and how to know where the fish are.
VCI is dedicated to the ideas that:
- Only Africans can solve the problems in Africa.
- Only Africans living within the affected communities of poverty can lead the way in breaking the bonds of poverty.
- The resources needed by the community to get started are already available in their own communities.
And the radical premise of empowerment
- Don’t give money
- Don’t loan money
- Don’t promote ideas and solutions - let the community develop them
- Don’t allow outsiders to participate in projects with the community
- Don’t bring goods or services.
Compliments of the yuletide season!
Wishing you all a joyful December filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends!
“May this December bring us closer together, filled with warmth, love, and unforgettable memories.
Happy New Month to our amazing family and friends!”
from all of us @ VCI. vcinitiatives.org ... See MoreSee Less
VCI-UGANDA UPDATE!
The impact of VCI program in Communities in Mawagala Village, Iganga District Uganda
Our dedicated coordinator embarked on a transformative follow up journey, bringing the principles of Service, Learning, Observation, Prayer, and Encouragement to the heart of Mawagala Village in Iganga District, Eastern Uganda.
The impact was felt across two vibrant groups, each comprising 40 members. In the spirit of service, valuable lessons were shared, and knowledge became a powerful catalyst for change.
Learning from one another, observing the strengths within the community, and collectively praying for a brighter future – this is the essence of SLOPE.
As we encourage each member, we're sowing seeds of empowerment and community resilience. Mawagala Village is not just a location; it's a canvas where the aspirations of 80 individuals are being painted with the colors of service and growth. ... See MoreSee Less
VCI STICKY WALL...
The VCI sticky wall is the magic screen by which individuals identify and outline their perceived problems and also interrogate, analyse them and come up with practical ideas and solutions on how to tackle such problems by themselves in a cost-effective way by using their indigenous resources where possible.
Interestingly, everyone is encouraged to share his/her ideas freely where no one is wrong, but most importantly, everyone feels a sense of belonging in contributing towards the development of his/her community.
Again, whoever is present is the right person and whatever happens is what was meant to happen and anyone is free to walk away.
So far this problem-solving approach and strategy as adopted by VCI through OPOS has proven to yield amazing results and have a direct impact on individuals, families and communities since they own the entire gamut of conversations while we only moderate and guide them.
Is it easy? certainly No.
Is it tough? yes, it is.
However, the thrilling life chainging feedbacks and testimonies from individuals and communities has been heartwarming and is the fuel that powers and emboldens us to keep up the pace until we penetrate all the nook and crannies of Africa with the message of hope and transfomation.
VCI in shattering conformities and sparking transfromation. vcinitiatives.org ... See MoreSee Less