|
I have been following the activities of the so-called NGO’s (Non Governmental Organisations) in
Hungary with trepidation. I think the sprawling increase in the establishment of foundations claiming to help
Africa should be adequately monitored. I
believe this is necessary because of the sensitive nature of the
supposed purpose in which these foundations embellished with classical
quotations of unselfish concern for the welfare of Africans.
There is little doubt that we are in the era of the NGO’s that often exploit the extraordinary pathetic situations in
Africa to advance their own agenda. But before
I go in perspective, I would like to state categorically that my
intention is not to deride anyone’s attempt to alleviate the sufferings
of the ordinary people anywhere in the world. In doing so meanwhile, I
shall limit my treatise to the activities going on in
Hungary alone.
My primary aim is to look with critical analysis why these foundations are so many? Why do they concentrate so much on
Africa? Do they have genuine love or their
proclamation is based entirely on financial gain, but hiding under the
influx of altruism? I may extend my argument as to the calibre and
personality of those who should involve in this kind of project. Are
those involved would have shown their interests had financial gain out
of the question?
While
concentrating on the above questions, it is pertinent to also state
that I am aware of the fact that every action is being motivated by
gain. There is no question about this fact. And for this reason alone,
I quite understand that my perspective on this topic is debatable. In
spite of my attempt to deconstruct the facade behind these foundations,
I would in fairness try as much as to extract fact on whether or not it
is possible to mix business with the art of helping.
It
is apparent that African continent has found itself at the receiving
end of the worst atrocities perpetrated by the “Western continent”
either implicitly or explicitly. One example of such inhumanity is
slavery which I believe is still going on but under a new dimension. I
shall refer to this before the end of this piece. Perhaps the notions
to atone for such unlovely deportment have inspired different
governments in the “Western continent” to allocate obligate money to
whoever engages in activities that preach tolerance and, or help
under-privileged Africans. Are they abusing it? Get on your knees and
pray.
In
Hungary alone, there are so
many of such foundations claiming to act under humanitarian
development, racism, integration, charity and so on. They include
Foundation for
Africa, HelloAfrica, African Hungarian Union,
Szahara Foundation, AFROAID, Mahatma Gandhi Movement, and Hungarian
Association of Migrants. Although they are too numerous to mention and
operate under different names, each of these organisations claim to
helping the under-privileged, especially in far away
Africa.
The
African Hungarian Union (AHU) headed by Balogh Sándor for example,
actually combines business with “altruism” but what seems confusing is
Balogh’s denial
about engaging in business. Although the African Hungarian Union has
established itself when it comes to events pertaining to African issues
in
Hungary, the organisation is reported to have disclosed interest in investing in various sectors in the
Sierra Leone economy. AHU is also running a radio programme in Hungarian on RadioCafé 98.6 every Sunday at 11-12 noon. It is designed for
Africa related issues. So there is no question the fact that AHU is physically implementing something in this regard.
Yet I am not convinced enough about his deep intention for associating or promoting African issues in
Hungary. I have met him on three occasions at events relating to
Africa and its people but the question keep
hanging and nagging at me. Is it just charity; business or charity; or
charity and business? In one occasion I had the opportunity to interview him. Listen to his response:
“There
is no business in the AHU, only charity. We have no income. We make no
business activity and we plan not to do so. We plan to be an
organisation which collects all the things around
Africa. Our website http://www.ahu.hu/
also wants to be an entering gate for African things. We are building
it systematically to help things about all African countries, all
embassies; all data. We refresh daily the news about African things”.
Is
it then possible to mix business with art of helping? George Soros, an
Hungarian American who is the founder of Soro’s Foundation, has perhaps
demonstrated this through the establishment of CEU (Central European
University) in which less-privileged but brilliant students are
benefiting immensely. For any Charity Organisation to become
successful, its implementation of purpose must be genuine as well as
carried out in good faith.
Meanwhile,
the mode of operation being employed by Hungarians in establishing
foundations is to partner with Africans who will be in the forefront of
running the everyday activities. Many Hungarians use any willing
African to achieve their goal of being business charity executives. My
point is actually not to say that something is wrong with carrying out
charity business, but the activities in which they are registered
initially must be monitored to prevent deviation of human greed which
is likely to manifest along the way.
Apparently, they all claim to base their goal or goals on humanitarianism or humanity, specifically focusing on
Africa. One is therefore compelled to ask: why
Africa? It has indeed become a fad in
Hungary to found a non-profit entity with the sole aim of alleviating the sufferings of
Africa and its people. With so many of such foundations springing up with alacrity, one wonders why poverty still exists in
Africa and its environs. Perhaps the world needs more of these foundations!
I
have noticed a pattern in which these foundations operate. They are in
the habit of posing with Africans, especially children in a way that
suggests Africa and its people is not capable of taking adequate care
of itself without charity or aids. Do you blame them? AFROAID Hungary
Association in describing who they are, state inter-alia: "We want to
help people restore their belief in themselves, leave despondency,
passivity and indifference and direct their own destiny". Now, don't
you really think that only Africans can help
Africa?
Some would even organise parties and, or concerts in celebrating Racism Day or any event that has something doing with
Africa. Personally, I find it insulting when every Tom pretends to have
Africa’s interest at heart whilst the real
motive is concealed. It's more insulting when certain Africans in their
bid to survive the January weather, join forces with these
organisations to further scramble for
Africa.
For example, France Motumbo, a Congolese who is the president of the Foundation for
Africa, admitted that Hungarians are behind
his foundation although he is the one running it physically. It seems
to me that the practice of uplifting
Africa out of altruism has led this continent
into a philosophical cul-de-sac culminating in new slavery. Otherwise
why should we Africans see living in “Western continent” as a do or die
affair? Isn’t it a tragedy for
Africa if its brightest minds must escape to the “Western continent” before making use of their intellects?
Copyright 2008 mysmallvoice@yahoo.com
|
Authors 
Posted by Robot| 08.10.2008 23:11