This is to all the Change-makers and Non-Profit Organizations making positive impact in Africa, We will never give up!
Donors For Africa Foundation observed growing despair as unfortunate events tore through Africa over the past few months and, most recently, in Nigeria.
As an organization working closely with several indigenous nonprofits across Africa, we have observed with great sadness the growing impact of social injustice across the continent.
With the rise of rape in Namibia, to human rights violation in Zimbabwe; with sexual assaults and multiple injustices in Congo, violent repressions in Cameroun and most recently, the #ENDSARS protest in Nigeria – this for us shows the growing importance of our work in development.
We hope that this opens the private and public sector’s eyes to see the need for more multi-level partnerships, funding, and increased investment in the activities of civil rights groups and local organizations working to address all these issues across the board.
We pray that this opens our eyes to see. We must begin to dim the razzmatazz that follows CSR projects but work actively to deal with the grassroots issues.
The need to fight poverty at the lowest levels, increase access to education, and empower our youths with skills and self-dignity and hope, amongst several other issues, is NOW more critical than ever before.
Dear Nonprofits, we understand that these are trying times, and many may no longer feel encouraged by the current activities in their respective countries, but please don’t lose hope. Our work is NOW more crucial than ever before. Let these events force you to think about newer ways to implement your programs and campaigns, let it fuel your desire to form strong coalitions, and make our voices heard this time as a more potent force. Let this remind us to change our approach to work and become more innovative.
The repressions or non-acknowledgment of some of these issues at the government level is just a stop-gap, and now we must press forward like never before.
From Gender-Based Violence to advocacy to education, youth empowerment, creating decent work, gender equality, and all other parts of the SDGs, our job is now more critical than ever.
We celebrate the life of all our heroes who fell during this time. We empathize with businesses that may have experienced attacks and destruction to properties. We will build again. We celebrate everyone who advocated on social media, marched out in the streets, prayed as a group, prayed privately, formed coalitions, and provided strength and succor to the issues at varying levels.
Irrespective, your role mattered and was of immense importance.
Now, we must find the strength to press forward. Be reenergized, and most importantly, MOVE FORWARD!
The journey to end all forms of injustices continue, and we encouraged more than ever before. We refuse to give up.
Till all our hopes and dreams for a better African continent come true,
I remain
Yours in Development