Mariama, International Economics and Development, 4th year
Country of fieldwork: Ivory Coast
Canadian NGO: Alternatives
Local NGO: Sterna Africa Ivory Coast
Position: Education, Environment and Project Management Officer
During my internship in Côte d'Ivoire, I was immersed in an environment where the challenges of financing community projects are mixed with aspirations for sustainable development. My role within the NGO STERNA AFRICA allowed me to better understand the complexities of project management, especially when it comes to mobilizing financial resources in a context marked by often restrictive laws and administrative practices.
The Dadiékro Library: A project with obstacles
The flagship project of this period was the construction of a library in the village of Dadiékro. This library, much more than a simple building, is intended to be a center of learning and empowerment for the children and young people of this rural community. Dadiékro, like many villages in Côte d'Ivoire, faces significant educational challenges. The children do not have access to the same resources as their peers in urban areas, which widens the gap in educational and professional opportunities. This library aims to reduce this gap by providing access to books, reading spaces and appropriate educational activities.
However, there are obstacles to the successful completion of such a project. From the outset, we had to prepare detailed documents to present our vision: risk analysis, definition of objectives, mobilization of volunteers, and organization of consultations with the local population. These steps are essential to ensure the feasibility and acceptability of the project. Despite this, the major challenge remains: finding the funds to make this vision a reality.
Funding difficulties for small NGOs
In Côte d'Ivoire, small NGOs, although essential for meeting local needs, rarely receive direct financial support from the state. Although the country has adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the resources allocated for their implementation do not always reach small organizations. Local NGOs often have to rely on their own resources or on the support of private donors. For example, current legislation requires NGOs to go through lengthy and costly administrative processes to access public subsidies, which considerably limits their possibilities. In addition, the unexpected withdrawal of our main financial partner has made the realization of the library even more complicated.
To make up for this shortfall, we have launched a crowdfunding campaign. This initiative is based on the hope of reaching individuals who are sympathetic to our cause, but the results remain uncertain. With two weeks left of my internship, I doubt that the necessary funds will be raised in time to start construction in August, as originally planned. However, I remain hopeful that the efforts made will bear fruit, as the potential impact of this project on the community is immense.
My experience has also opened my eyes to the incredible resilience and determination of small local NGOs. Despite the legal and financial obstacles, they persevere, driven by the deep conviction that their work makes a difference. My internship taught me that behind every successful project lies an immense amount of work, often invisible, but always guided by a desire to create positive and lasting change.