Building strong partnerships for improved quality of life
VSA has built strong partnerships with governments and NGOs during 22 years in Tanzania, 15 years in South Africa, and two years in Zambia. Our focus in the region has been to work with local partners on capacity-building initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the region.
We currently have volunteers working in partnership with organisations in Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia. We are however phasing out our work in Africa over the next year. For more information read our press release: New direction for VSA.
Locally owned, locally identified and locally delivered programmes
Our programmes are developed jointly with in-country partner organisations to increase the capacity of local people and institutions. Our partners identify specific development needs and, together, we develop assignment descriptions for volunteers.
Since 2008 we have increased our in-country field staff to provide greater support to our partner organisations and volunteers, ultimately strengthening our long-term development practice.
Southern African achievements at a glance
In Tanzania and South Africa, Management and Business Development Advisers have assisted organisations to improve their financial management plans, corporate strategic plans and good corporate governance policies. One VSA volunteer on a three-year assignment assisted in reversing the fortunes of his partner organisation, which successfully made a profit for the first time in 15 years.
Farm Management and Agricultural Programme Advisers in Tanzania have been training local staff to complete assessments of current farming / livestock practice and put management plans in place. This has resulted in increased milk and pork production, and higher returns on coffee production.
In Zambia, a Palliative Care Trainer working in the Choma District has helped to set up a mobile clinic which now regularly visits six rural areas. She trains local staff to work closely with patients who have cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Without this mobile clinic most patients in these rural areas would not have access to the treatment they need.
RSS