Q&A: Livestock/pastoral development, Appreciative Inquiry, Development work in a conflict zone, Child-headed homes, Micro-credit

Topics included:

• Livestock/pastoral development
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Development work in a conflict zone
• Child-headed homes
• How to start a micro-credit organisation
• How to get started or help out
• Staying safe ... when it isn't

Can you offer any insights or pointers to useful information/contacts on these topics? Thank you.

Responses to the previous questions are summarised below. Please continue the discussions online at Aid Workers Forum or e-mail exchange@aidworkers.net

New Questions

LIVESTOCK/PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT

A.M. Hashi in Somalia is looking for information about other people's experiences, lessons learnt, success stories on pastoral development. Join the discussion online at Aid Workers Forum

APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY

Maura Fulton asks, "How are different organizations utilizing Appreciative Inquiry and similar approaches?" Join the discussion online at Aid Workers Forum

DEVELOPMENT WORK IN A CONFLICT ZONE

Phil Bartle wonders about advice for local development NGOs working in a conflict zone. Is it feasible to do development work (in contrast to relief work) in this environment? If so, how would it be modified? What are your ideas and experience? Join the discussion online at Aid Workers Forum

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Responses

CHILD-HEADED HOMES

Sachin mentioned that the International HIV/AIDS Alliance has just published "Building Blocks" - a series of handbooks about different aspects of providing support for orphaned and vulnerable children. They are available online or in hard copy. Albert added that Kenya Aids Orphan Rescue Organization (KAORO) can advise on best practices in AIDS orphan care. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum

HOW TO START A MICRO-CREDIT ORGANISATION?

Evie suggested the SEEP network (Small Enterprise Education and Promotion), based on her experience in East Timor. Sunimal recommends "Our Money, Our Movement," a book which describes in detail the working of the Women's Credit Union in Sri Lanka. Kamran and Richard offer other helpful links. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum

HOW TO GET STARTED OR HELP OUT?

Gary agrees that most emergency relief jobs require a university degree even though many ex-military personnel find they already have relevant experience. Jayne notes that most volunteer sending organizations require a high skill level, "they invest a lot of money in sending volunteers to other countries, and need to make sure these volunteers are highly skilled." But, "there are many organizations that engage local volunteers on behalf of efforts in other countries." Pam helps a grass roots development project in Nigeria, although she is in London. Philip mentions WSE's email coaching service for those thinking about about working or volunteering overseas. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum

STAYING SAFE ... WHEN IT ISN'T

Mihir Bhatt posted a quick thank you: "The safety notes by Barney Mayhew are very useful." Christine recently completed RedR's Personal Security and Communications course, "and it was excellent." Corinna recommends a policy paper from the German Association of Development NGOs (available online in English and German), "Minimum Standards Regarding Staff Security in Humanitarian Aid." Warren augments Barney's safety tips with some he learned while working in Somalia in 1991. Continue the discussion at Aid Workers Forum

Aid Workers Exchange 23-APR-03 ISSN 1478-5137