Africans know their problems better, JB tells ‘ReelCause Inc’ launch in US

Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, has said some international organisations go into Africa thinking they know how to solve problems there when in fact Africans themselves know how best to solve their problems.

Banda was presenting a Keynote Address at the launch at the ‘ReelCause Inc’ official launching ceremony at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, recently, where she shared her experiences and challenges she faced in fundraising which are common in the developing world.

Reelcause is a breakout force in the crowdfunding/fundraising industry, structured to leverage emotional and thought-provoking videos and images to incite action.

Through the use of high worth incentives including discounted retail purchase certificates, random prizes and multiple recognition opportunities, Reelcause channel holders and interactive participants are enticed to not only give, but also spread the word to their business and social media networks. During the UN launch, national and global powers exchanged ideas, made plans and set goals.

In addition to a dynamic presentation by Reelcause’s CEO Michael Jacobson, the afternoon featured an assemblage of dynamic speakers such as United Models for Peace Director of Communications, Courtney Hejl; CEO of the Brewer Group, Ambassador Jack Brewer; former NFL greats Drayton Florence and Tommie Harris; Immune Therapeutics’ CEO Noreen Griffin and former president Banda.

In her address, Banda observed that in her 30 years of philanthropic work around the world, the culture of fundraising has changed.

“Donations to NGOs mostly come from a limited number of sources such as high net worth individuals, foundations, private sector, government agencies but it is now obvious there is donor fatigue on the part of international donors particularly into Africa.   All these funders have one thing in common; they will demand detailed procedures, financing circles that are dependent on Board Meetings and approvals,” she noted.

Former President Banda said that even the latest traditions of walks and galas, such events have a high cost of time, treasure and talent.  Statistically the net return is about 50 percent.  Oftentimes, the collateral damage is donor and volunteer fatigue, she observed.

According to Banda, the challenges indigenous organisations and NGOs face are the institutional and human resource capacity to effectively change the lives of the people they serve.

She said that her work has taught her that there is good leadership on the ground in Africa and that what brings about better results is when international organisations forge smart partnerships with indigenous NGOs to address any identified cause.

The former President cited examples of Joyce Banda Foundation International’s work with Newskin of Utah who support the feeding of 30,000 orphans each day by providing high nutritious food packs; the partnership of Jack Brewer Foundation and JBFI in Malawi to educate girls, provide sports equipment for the youth and medical equipment and medicine for Malawian hospitals; and JBFI’s partnership with 100x to provide scholarships to Malawian girls to study medicine in American Universities and Malawi School of Medicine.

Banda congratulated Jack Brewer Foundation for the launch of ReelCause Inc as a modern way of fundraising using the internet.

“It is, however, important for the developed world to understand that there are low levels of access to internet by most African countries.  It will be sad if they will be left behind while these revolutionary ways replace the traditional ways of fundraising.  This makes the promotion of Smart Partnerships even more crucial,” she said.

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