A Reflection On The Role Of Ngos In Shaping Tomorrow

By Author: The Akshaya Patra Foundation
Total Articles: 112
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Each day, the world encounters a myriad of challenges that require collective efforts to overcome. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are the unsung heroes that harness support from millions to bring impactful change. From local to global, they make a difference everywhere. The best example is the role played by NGOs during the COVID-19 pandemic. They provided immediate relief to people by providing food and medical supplies and implementing response strategies in collaboration with the government and local authorities.

Numerous NGOs work dedicatedly for different causes, shedding light on different social issues. They inspire people to support those in need and strive for their development.

Let’s dive into the list of areas where NGOs contribute.

• Education
Education is the prime thing that can enhance the living standard. When one receives a good education, it will open doors for numerous high-tier job opportunities, and consequently, a better future. However, children from financially limited backgrounds often face the stark choice of labour to support the family or manage household responsibilities, ...
... depriving them of their fundamental right to education. Several NGOs work to bridge this gap by offering scholarships and financial aid and also run educational institutes and remedial classes for students in need and thus broaden their access to educational opportunities.

• Hunger eradication
Hunger remains a persistent social issue leaving many without a proper meal. Numerous NGOs strive to tackle this issue by providing nutritious meals and advocating for policies that guarantee every individual’s access to this fundamental need - food. By investing in food assistance programmes like distributing nutritional supplements to people in need or child nutrition endeavours like the School Breakfast Programme or Mid-Day Meal Scheme, NGOs strive to build a hunger-free future.

• Disaster relief
Nowadays, crises have become the ‘new normal’. Whether natural or man-made, disasters seem to unfold daily across the globe. During these times, NGOs consistently step forward as the initial responders, offering vital disaster aid such as food, water, medicines and shelter.

• Animal rights
One fact that people often forget is that animals also have space in this world as rightful inhabitants of the Earth. Numerous NGOs work for the welfare of animals, relocating them to safer environments and providing care. In some instances, they work on the conservation of natural habitats of species or create habitats that emulate their natural living conditions.

• Help for the elderly
The welfare of old age people is yet another concern of India. Senior citizens often face difficulties in receiving adequate care and support, preventing them from leading a quality life. NGOs work to address this challenge. For example, they run old-age homes for the elderly. Similarly, to people who are struggling with health and financial issues, they provide essential treatment and support. They provide accommodation, food and recreational activities and collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to create a more supportive environment for senior citizens.

• Environment conservation
In the unbridled pursuit of development, people forget to protect nature. The environment is the source of living. NGOs serve nature and revive the lost greenery. They raise awareness about environmental issues, conduct reforestation programmes and implement strategies to protect natural resources, paving the way for a sustainable future.

• Women empowerment
Many NGOs function for empowering women to live independently and to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with men. They support their education and offer skill-building programmes, empowering them to actively participate in economic activities. These organisations extend their reach to women in rural areas, aiming to integrate them into the forefront of economic participation. They address issues related to gender violence and support women to create a good future for themselves.

How do NGOs work?

• Collaboration
NGOs collaborate with stakeholders such as the government, corporate organisations and other NGOs to bring the change they want to see in the world. They conduct research, gather data and collect money to implement activities effectively. This collaboration also allows companies to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments.

• Fundraising activities
NGOs conduct various fundraising activities and bring people together to work for a noble cause. This doesn’t just help pool resources from different avenues but also instils a feeling among people that they are significant contributors driving societal change. The joy of donation inspires people to participate in such activities frequently and makes them aware of the various issues around the world.

• Advocacy
While people often readily associate with NGOs which work on the service delivery front, there are others which occupy the advocacy space. These NGOs advocate and influence policy decisions through avenues such as thought leadership, thus having a significant impact in domains like human rights, social justice, etc. There also exist NGOs which focus on awareness and research.

Regardless of their type or area of impact, NGOs have a responsibility to inform donors about how their contributions are utilised. By maintaining transparency in all their activities, NGOs build trust among their donors, assuring them that their donations are used effectively and align with the intended goals. When choosing an NGO to support, this is one aspect that needs to be taken into consideration.

NGOs act as a mediator between the government and individuals by addressing issues and advocating for the protection of rights. By supporting NGOs, individuals become catalysts for global change. This benefits both sides - donors experience the joy of giving and enjoy tax benefits while NGOs secure the necessary funds for their mission. Through working for the betterment and upliftment of socio-economically weaker communities, NGOs attempt to bring uniformity in receiving the benefits of the economic growth of the country. When you donate to charity, you lay the foundation to change the future of the world for better.

I'm a social volunteer, lives in Bengaluru. I do work for NGOs to make society better. Currently I'm working for The Akshaya Patra Foundation. It's an NGO in India which provides wholesome nutritious mid-day meals to government school children to end classroom hunger. https://www.akshayapatra.org/