The Impact of NGOs on Poverty in Haiti and Nicaragua
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
Faculty Mentor
Ginger Williams, Ph.D.
Abstract
Since the 1980s, non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, have become increasingly prominent in the international-aid sector of civil society in lesser-developed countries, including those in Latin America. While many began as community-driven and grassroots organizations that fought for the empowerment and rights of the masses, their increasing dependence on donor support has caused them to lose much of their roots of advocacy, empowerment, and long-term development work. Their donor dependence has also caused NGOs and aid agencies in general (including charities and nonprofits) to become less transparent and accountable. Haiti and Nicaragua, in particular, are examples of countries in Latin America that have seen shortcomings in the area of international aid in their civil societies. Yet, NGOs and aid agencies are still very important to the civil society of foreign, developing nations and must be amended to return to their original community-driven and grassroots ways, in order to most effectively help the populations they aim to serve.
Course Assignment
IDVS 490 – Williams
Start Date
21-4-2017 3:45 PM
The Impact of NGOs on Poverty in Haiti and Nicaragua
West Center, Room 219
Since the 1980s, non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, have become increasingly prominent in the international-aid sector of civil society in lesser-developed countries, including those in Latin America. While many began as community-driven and grassroots organizations that fought for the empowerment and rights of the masses, their increasing dependence on donor support has caused them to lose much of their roots of advocacy, empowerment, and long-term development work. Their donor dependence has also caused NGOs and aid agencies in general (including charities and nonprofits) to become less transparent and accountable. Haiti and Nicaragua, in particular, are examples of countries in Latin America that have seen shortcomings in the area of international aid in their civil societies. Yet, NGOs and aid agencies are still very important to the civil society of foreign, developing nations and must be amended to return to their original community-driven and grassroots ways, in order to most effectively help the populations they aim to serve.
