How to Help PDF Print E-mail

“The individual is the indispensable agent of change.”  Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1984)

“I am asking you to give your support and volunteer your time to help in the fight against HIV and AIDS.” Nelson Mandela, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1993)

“Everyone of us can make a contribution. And quite often we are looking for the big things and forget that, whoever we are, wherever we are, we can make a contribution.” Wangari Maathai, first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (2004).

What is Needed

All Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) need the following three types of resources:

  • Financial assistance. Money is required to fund: staff wages; running costs; transport; building projects; renovation projects; training programmes; equipment needs; feeding schemes; medicines; school requirements (fees, uniforms and stationery). Financial donations can either be given directly to the NPO, or specific expenses can be funded. For instance the Starfish Foundation, which supports NPOs working with orphans and vulnerable children, often funds food parcels and school requirements directly.
  • Skills. Volunteers can provide a range of skills and resources that would otherwise not be affordable to many NPOs. Aside from contributing much-needed extra manpower, volunteers can offer specific skills. Some of the most commonly required and useful skills include: business, marketing, media, legal, fundraising, technical, building, teaching, healthcare, counselling, childminding, agricultural, arts and craft, cooking, drama, music and driving skills.
  • Items. Most items that are still in working order can be put to good use by NPOs, depending on their main activities. The most useful items include: cars, office equipment (desks, chairs, filing cabinets, computers, printers etc), household equipment (fridges, stoves, kettles, heaters, washing machines, tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, beds, cots, floor mats, linen, pillows, blankets, towels), food (non-perishable and perishable), babies formula, disposable nappies, medical supplies, clothing, shoes, books, stationery, children’s games, toys, jungle gyms, sports equipment, gardening equipment, seeds, sewing machines, fabric, art and craft materials, musical instruments, cleaning materials and toiletries.

What To Do Next

If you wish to offer your time and skills, financial assistance or items you can either search the Directory to find an appropriate organisation or you can contact one of the volunteer organisations listed in this section.