By Staff writer
LOCAL Non- Governmental- Organizations(NGOs) have been challenged to form synergies and explore ways to counter funding challenges.
The NGO sector is in a quagmire as a result of US president Donald Trump’s stop work orders which has seen the United States of America withdrawing funding to most NGOs.
This has seen several NGOs closing shop and folding most of their programs.
However, speaking during the World NGO day in Gweru on Thursday, National Association of Non-Governmenatal Organizations (NANGO),executive director, Ernest Nyimai urged NGOs to be pragmatic in their response to the current situation.
In a speech read on his behalf by NANGO Midlands regional coordinator, Taitos Mangoma, Nyimai emphasized the need to have home grown solutions.
“This year’s theme resonates profoundly amid the financial uncertainty faced by NGOs in Zimbabwe particularly with the current shift in development aid,” he said.
“This shift has intensified the urgency for NGOs to unite.To promote financial sustainability, we need innovation by exploring diverse funding applications and rethinking our resource mobilization strategies.
“This serves as a wake up call to transition from donor dependence syndrome to sustainable financing models.”
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Strength in Solidarity, Celebrating NGOs’ impact and building financial sustainability.”
He added that the current situation calls for NGOs to form alliances that foster knowledge sharing and pooling of resources.
“Additionally, as the NGO sector we should take this opportunity to unite and develop strong networks, knowledge sharing and collaboration to help organizations pool resources expertise and promote locally led initiatives,” he added.
