NGOs urged to exercise caution in accepting aid

ZANZIBAR: NON-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been advised to exercise caution when receiving financial support for social development projects, as some donors may impose hidden agenda that could threaten the country’s traditions.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Malala Fund Project, Unguja Urban District Commissioner (DC) Rashid Msaraka warned that certain foreign donors might attach direct or indirect conditions to funding, including promoting same-sex practices to children.

“This goes against our norms, religions and traditions,” Mr Msaraka emphasised.

The one-year project, titled “Young Girls and Women in Zanzibar are Self-Reliant and Contributing Members of Society,” was launched in May 2023 in the Unguja North region.

Its objectives included raising awareness and improving access to education, advocating for change, engaging stakeholders and enhancing internal capacity and resource mobilisation.

Mr Msaraka expressed concern about an emerging trend where some foreign donors use aid to undermine local culture under the guise of promoting human rights.

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He cautioned that these donors might push for the acceptance of same-sex relations and other practices that conflict with Zanzibar’s values, such as encouraging boys to wear earrings and style their hair in traditionally unconventional ways.

“With the growing pressure from wealthy nations, developing countries face increasing challenges in resisting these influences. While the future of our children and grandchildren remains uncertain, we must stand firm by educating and nurturing them in line with our traditions and religions,” the DC said.

Despite these challenges, DC Msaraka praised the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) for successfully implementing the Malala Fund project, which has had a positive impact on the community in the Unguja North region. “We are pleased with the results the project has delivered,” he added.

According to project monitoring and evaluation officers, Abdulrahman Suleiman and Habiba Situmai Saidi, the initiative benefited a total of 55 young girls and mothers, including two with disabilities, who had dropped out of school.

These beneficiaries received training in various income-generating activities (IGAs), including arts and crafts such as basket weaving, snack preparation, cloth weaving and body decoration with traditional Hina paint.

Other skills included tailoring, honey harvesting and making appetisers.

The trained women have already begun producing goods to support themselves and their families, marking a positive step toward economic independence.