THE AU FUND:

ON THE ROAD TO MAKING SUCCESSFUL CONTRIBUTIONS

BEFORE SOUTH AFRICA:

• Meet at the beginning of the semester to become familiar with the work that has been done in the past and what projects will be offered during the upcoming trip.  This can be done by consulting the website, Joe, Ian and Retha and any other materials.

• Discuss issues that students feel might arise – what will it be like coming face to face with poverty?  What sort of emotions will come into play?  Do the students feel like they might want to take some collective action?  If so, what resources will they have available?

• Investigate the possibility of physically bringing resources over on the plane.  Could supplies such as markers, books, games and/or medical supplies be brought in a backpack?

• Establish a group of students that is interested in pursuing funding possibilities outside of AU.

• Research and compile a list of NGOs and Foundations that give their money or lend their expertise to projects such as AU’s.

IN SOUTH AFRICA:

• During the home stay, gather as much information (either through casual discussion, observation, or specific inquiry) as possible to share with the group.  What are the problems at hand?  What are some possible solutions according to the community?  According to you and your group?  Identify important stakeholders and the role that they could play.

• If group has not decided on a specific project to sponsor beforehand, try to visit all of them, if only for a brief amount of time. 

• Upon return from the home stays, meet as a group as soon as possible.  First discuss each small group’s experiences.  Then begin discussions on which project(s) to get involved in and the role of AU students in finding possible solutions. 

• During these discussions, it might be good to keep in mind the following:

• Get input from all members of the group.  Each student had a different experience which touched them in a unique way.  Participate, listen closely to each other and try to consider all visions.
• Try to narrow down the possibilities to a few projects.  Lay out the pros and cons of AU students getting involved.  Think about the reality of your ideals – could the group’s goals really be achieved?  Try to forsee unintended consequences as well.
• Although the Fund and the efforts are primarily driven by the students, remember to keep in mind the interests of the other stakeholders (ESPECIALLY those in the community involved) at all times.  The group’s actions will directly affect the lives of others – try to ensure that it will be in a positive way!  Background information, participation and input from the community are a must.

• If possible, try to meet with members of the project that you have selected before leaving the area.  Communication will be most effective when face to face so it would be best to take advantage of all opportunities possible.  If it is not possible to physically meet, at least try to begin communication before the group departs for the US.  The sooner things get started, the better.

BACK FROM SOUTH AFRICA:

• Once the group returns and the foundations of the project have been laid, it is time to start spreading the word.  An updated website offers a great way to facilitate all of this.

• The group that had made contact with the NGOs and foundations should continue dialogue and share their experiences
• Other students might feel inclined to tell their friends and family about the project and end by asking for a contribution.
• Press in local and University newspapers (including students’ home schools) could also attract potential donors.
• Students can strengthen the exchange of knowledge by establishing a forum to share their experiences.  A panel discussion or slide show held on the Tenley campus, addressing the main challenges in community development in South Africa may be of interest to other Washington Semester and AU students.  Perhaps the audience would feel more motivated to get involved after learning about the situation in this manner.

• It is important to keep the exchange of information flowing.  Both students and members of the community project may find it helpful to hear feedback from each other.  A report of sorts, compiled by IED students, could be sent to the community, thanking them for their hospitality, detailing what was learned and offering some suggestions.  The latter part would have to be done in a very tactful manner to ensure the community would not feel offended or criticized by outsiders.

• Contact the group’s liaison in South Africa regularly.  This is the person that will have to see the project through on the group’s behalf.  It is important that the lines of communication be open for all interests to be served.  Update the website with these reports so students will be able to track the success of their efforts!