This is a post for anyone who is wondering how the money we're collecting for the house in Nepal is going to get where it needs to be. Maybe you're convinced some of it will line a pocket or two along the way.
I understand your concerns. We've all heard tales of backhanders, of men and women siphoning off a little bit here and a little bit there, leaving the families in need - still in need.
So - here are the logistics.
I'm not going to give you any identifying information - because the family at the end of all this don't know I'm doing it. They don't need to know - all they need is a new house. It doesn't matter where the money comes from.
I am paying the money into a small charity, based in the UK, that pays for the health centre in the village and contributes to the school. Anyone in specific need in the village can ask for help. So if someone needs to get to hospital in Kathmandu, or a disabled child needs equipment, then the charity is there to help.
But someone has to administer that? There must be pockets that could be lined along the way?
The charity is founded by a woman I know - I met her on my first visit to Nepal. She has her own reasons to be grateful to the people who live here, and has been unstinting in her efforts to raise money for them, to get to know everyone in the village, and to help identify needs. She visits regularly - she loves them and they love her. I have no doubt that every penny donated in this country ends up in Nepal.
But she doesn't have the final say. There is a small committee, in Nepal, which oversees the distribution of the fund. Another pocket-lining opportunity? Well, it might be, if the faithful Tika weren't on that committee. But he is - and anyone who has read my little books, or recalls the way I've talked about him here on the blog, will know that he is totally trustworthy. If he tells me the money will go where we want it to go - then it will.
So there you have it. I hope those who needed reassurance are comforted. And if there is anyone who has no idea what I'm talking about, you can find the appeal page here.
That's really good for people to know, Jo. I'm going to copy this to my blog too!
ReplyDeleteGood to have someone at the other end who ensures the money where it is needed. I worked with various foreign NGOs in Cuba. They used to come and because most gorup leaders could not speak Spanish they hired me as their interpreter. So, sadly, I have seen first-hand how donations are given to those who need them least. I worked for a Cuban NGO, too, and unfortunately when it came to the crunch, I was also part of the scramble for donations. It is good that you have someone there you trust because it sounds as if the family you are supporting will benefit greatly from your fund-raising campaign. Well done! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.