About 35 years ago, the radio news announced that the then president ofKenya, Daniel arap Moi, had broken diplomatic ties with Norway. The embassy, with about 100 foreign and a few local staff, had one week to clear out of the country.I was one of a few staff there at the time who worked for the Norwegian development agency, Norad, and our jobs disappeared with that radio broadcast. An estimated $30m annual budget, largely targeted at the arid and semi-arid parts of Kenya, also disappeared. Obviously that did not matter much to Kenya’s leadership, who felt that the independence of the country and the ability for them to decide what was good for Kenya, was more important.The drama was triggered because the Norwegian ambassador decided to appear in a court in Nakuru, where thehuman rights activist Koigi Wamwerewas being tried for treason, hence showing solidarity with a so-called dissident who had been in exile in Norway.I was in a state of disbelief, as all my hopes of enjoying what looked like a progressive career were dashed overnight, barely 10 months after joining the embassy. I had been comfortable, having sole access to a desktop computer, rare in those days, but had not even practised my computer skills as it was a privilege I took for granted.Developing other resources requires a different mindset … it’s a courageous long-term journey, not for the faint-heartedThere are close parallels between my story and what happened to many non-profit organisations in Kenya and globally after 20 January, whenDonald Trumptook over as US president and cancelled most of the traditional work of the government’s development agency, USAid, throwing many charities into a spin of confusion and unanswered questions.How could he do that so suddenly, they asked. Now, the UK is also cutting back on its own aid budget.For me, in 1990, the abrupt end of my job was a wake-up call. I never looked back. When I got my next role, three months later, I embraced my secondhand laptop and quickly perfected my ability not only to produce monitoring and evaluation reports supported by case studies, but also project proposals and budgets that I needed to submit to my supervisor for consideration.I embraced the fact that my job was never guaranteed. There were many factors at play that I had no control over. I needed the skills to be able to survive with any “sound” employer, anywhere in the world, so developing myself was not a choice. I have since managed to have a flourishing career in the not-for-profit sector, in and outside the country.Even after leaving full-time work, I continue to offer my knowledge to a variety of groups locally and globally, simply because I woke up and practised self-determination. I remain a strong advocate for independence from donor dependency throughout my career.Trump’s actions just re-energised my commitment to continue to use every single opportunity to support global majority actors to embrace the right mindset in their effort to explore alternative resources for their work. Funders, on the other hand, definitely need to embrace genuine and practical shifting of power in their approaches to supporting development work, so that what they initiate can outlast them, and be driven by local organisations, especially those from the global majority.We need to accept the fact that these acts will continue to repeat themselves in our unpredictable worldIn the past couple of weeks, I have become alert to various reflections that speak to this from colleagues in the sector. I continue to be astonished by how hard it is for us to learn important life lessons. One statement I like is byThomas Sankara, who said: “He who feeds you, also controls you.”I consider the spirit behind this wisdom a key takeaway for us in the not-for-profit sector. It reminds us how much power we surrender to those who fund our work, especially when we act and behave comfortably, when this is happening over many years, and without us riding on that wave to slowly grow alternative resources, however small they may be. Developing other resources requires a different mindset and the recognition that it’s a courageous long-term journey, not for the faint-hearted.US shutdown of HIV/Aids funding ‘could lead to 500,000 deaths in South Africa’Read moreIt is working against the tide. What happened to Kenya when our president froze a bilateral relationship with Norway overnight, has some parallel with USAid ending with a stroke of President Trump’s pen. It looks as if we need to accept that these acts will repeat themselves in our unpredictable world, in one way or other.And so, for us in the majority world, it’s time to shape our destiny; not to blindly follow those who “feed” us; to start saying no to any money that does not meet the community needs we exist to support.It’s time to rise up and be counted, as true believers, in the interests of the people we claim to represent when negotiating for funds, and be ready to walk away with our heads held high if it’s not working. It’s time to organise, not agonise.Janet Mawiyoois a development consultant and founder ofGalvanising Africa
Those who depend on aid must embrace Trump’s bombshell and shape their own destiny | Janet Mawiyoo
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Reflections on Aid Dependency and the Need for Self-Determination in Development"
The Guardian
5.4
TruthLens AI Summary
The recent political shifts in the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump, have echoed historical events, such as the abrupt severing of diplomatic ties between Kenya and Norway in the 1980s. Janet Mawiyoo, recalling her experience as a staff member at the Norwegian development agency, Norad, reflects on how the sudden termination of aid and job loss affected her and many non-profit organizations. The cancellation of aid programs not only disrupted their operations but also forced stakeholders to confront the precariousness of donor dependency. Mawiyoo emphasizes the need for individuals and organizations in the global majority to develop a mindset of self-determination, recognizing that reliance on external funding can undermine their autonomy and long-term sustainability. Her personal journey illustrates the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and seizing opportunities to cultivate alternative resources and skills in the face of uncertainty.
Mawiyoo advocates for a proactive approach among development organizations, urging them to reject funding that does not align with community needs and to assert their independence. She draws parallels between her experience and the current challenges faced by non-profits as they navigate the shifting landscape of international aid, particularly in light of recent budget cuts from the UK and the US. By embracing a courageous long-term journey towards self-sufficiency, organizations can build resilience and ensure that their initiatives are driven by local priorities rather than external influences. Mawiyoo concludes by calling for a collective awakening among those in the development sector to recognize the power dynamics inherent in funding relationships and to take responsibility for shaping their own destinies, encouraging a movement toward empowerment and true representation of the communities they serve.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reflects on the past experiences of the author and draws parallels between historical events in Kenya and the current political climate, particularly in relation to the changes in foreign aid under Donald Trump's presidency. It urges individuals and communities reliant on aid to take charge of their own futures rather than depend on external support.
Purpose of the Article
The narrative aims to inspire self-sufficiency among communities that are traditionally dependent on foreign aid. By recounting a personal story of job loss due to political decisions, the author emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability. This could be seen as a call to action for those affected by similar changes in funding and support, encouraging them to seek alternative paths for development and empowerment.
Public Perception and Emotional Response
The article seeks to evoke a sense of urgency among readers, particularly those in communities affected by aid cuts. By connecting personal experiences with broader socio-political themes, it aims to foster a mindset of independence and resourcefulness. The emotional weight of the author's story is likely intended to resonate with others facing similar challenges, thereby creating a collective consciousness around the need for change.
Omissions and Hidden Messages
While the article focuses on the need for self-reliance, it may downplay the potential negative impacts of sudden aid cuts on vulnerable populations. It does not explore the complexities of how these changes might exacerbate existing inequalities or the immediate challenges communities face in adapting to reduced support. This omission could lead to an oversimplified view of the situation.
Manipulative Elements
The piece carries a persuasive tone, framing the narrative around personal empowerment and resilience while potentially glossing over the harsh realities many individuals face in the absence of aid. The use of personal anecdotes serves to humanize the broader issues at play, which can be a powerful tool for persuasion. However, this approach may also manipulate readers' emotions to align with a specific viewpoint regarding aid dependency.
Truthfulness and Reliability
The article is grounded in the author's personal experiences, which lend it a degree of authenticity. However, the broader claims about the implications of aid cuts and the call for self-sufficiency may oversimplify complex socio-economic dynamics. While the personal narrative is credible, the conclusions drawn may not fully encapsulate the multifaceted nature of development challenges.
Social and Economic Implications
The narrative has the potential to influence public discourse around foreign aid and development strategies. It may inspire grassroots movements aimed at fostering independence from foreign assistance, which could reshape how communities approach their development. However, there remains a risk that political leaders may interpret this message as a justification for continued cuts to aid without addressing the underlying issues faced by those affected.
Target Audience
The article seems to cater to audiences who are already inclined toward self-reliance and critical of dependency on foreign aid. It may resonate particularly with activists, community leaders, and individuals within the development sector who are seeking to challenge the status quo.
Market Impact
While the article itself may not have a direct impact on stock markets or global financial systems, its themes could influence investment in sustainable development initiatives. Companies and investors focused on social impact might find value in supporting projects that align with the message of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Geopolitical Relevance
The discussion of foreign aid and its implications is very relevant in today’s global political climate, particularly with ongoing debates about the efficacy of aid and its long-term effects on development. It reflects broader trends in international relations where countries are reassessing their commitments to foreign assistance.
AI Influence
There is no direct indication that artificial intelligence played a role in crafting this article. However, if AI were to be involved, it might have shaped the narrative style or provided data-driven insights that influenced the author's arguments. The framing of issues could reflect prevalent discourse generated by AI analysis of public sentiment surrounding foreign aid.
Conclusion
This article serves as both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on the evolving landscape of foreign aid. While it promotes a message of independence and resilience, it may also simplify the complexities of the challenges faced by communities reliant on aid. The reliability of the article is mixed; while based on true personal experiences, it may not fully account for the wider implications of aid dependency.