Need a bit more humility ourselves

An article in this morning's Kathmandu Post has prompted a response from the NSA Chairman to remind the Nepal government that they should make no apology for asking aid agencies to seek guidance on delivering aid and not to work direct with local communities.We agree, and it supports and strengthens the way we have and will always work, despite the frustrations.

Dear Sir,
Your article outlining the government’s stance towards aid agencies and donors being requested to “respect the official channels” and to avoid working directly with local communities is a timely reminder at all levels that we must work together and in a coordinated way for maximum effect.

However we must seriously question why such a meeting was even necessary with the likes of DFID from my own country (UK) when we had always been led to believe that DFID’s business plan was developed in conjunction with Nepal’s government focusing on sector priorities! Surely the focus of such a meeting should have been on the proliferation of mid to small level agencies such as ourselves who can be uncontrolled and uncoordinated to an extent that inputs and achievements are diluted and unevaluated.

For three years we at Nepal Schools Aid have provided educational materials and teachers for 5 community schools in Kathmandu with probably no need for government guidance, but this year for the first time we were in a position to offer teacher training which DOES require sanction and immediately sought Education Ministry guidance and advice. We have found them to be reasonable people, helpful, and encouraging towards us. But why, oh why, does it all have to take so long to process needs, take decisions, create registrations and so on which can be a serious barrier to the enthusiasm of respectful volunteers.

Finally, in ALL cases whatever the donor/agency level Nepal’s government should not have to make “Humble suggestion: First deal with central government before reaching out to people”. We, the agencies, should have a bit more respect and common sense to be humble ourselves!