Lausanne World Pulse – Urban Articles – A Different Form of Mission with Slums: Reflections of a Change Agent in Bhopal, India
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Helping the poor without changes in policy is as |
Conditions for Sustainable Change
Working at the grassroots level is essential in dealing with poverty; similarly, efforts to bring about change at both the government and institutional levels are essential to support those working on the frontlines in the slums. While few governments and institutions would object to individuals and agencies working in the slums, they would have serious objections to having Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) telling them how to run their governments.
The good news is that there are mechanisms for influencing policy, and many organizations are using available forums to educate officials and influence change. However, stakeholder consultation is limited without direct access to policymakers. Old Testament characters Joseph, Esther and Nehemiah illustrate the impact of effective leadership in bringing about sustainable change and minimizing the impact of hardship on those who are suffering.
An effective mission strategy for transforming the slums targets the three primary levels where change takes place: the slum dwellers, institutional officials and government policymakers. Activities need not take place at the three levels simultaneously; however, efforts to bring about sustainable change are required at all three levels. Having a change in government policy without engagement of the poor will not go very far. Similarly, helping the poor without changes in policy is as effective as using a Band-Aid to cure cancer.
What Can I Do to Bring Sustainable Change?
I am a tentmaker. I am paid by international development agencies to advise governments on reforming the power sector so that supplying electricity becomes a commercially viable operation which brings in revenue rather than draining government finances. In many countries, government subsidies to cover the cost of producing and delivering electricity divert meager resources to the extent that there is little left for education, sanitation, health or other social programs. Working for the development agencies gives me access to senior policymakers and the opportunity to advise them on institutional reform based on holistic and good governance principles.
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Dr. Willy Kotiuga is director of the Power Systems Consulting Group in one of the world’s largest engineering firms. His team of twenty-five professionals currently work on projects in over twenty-five countries on five continents. Kotiuga serves on the executive committees of a number of para-church organizations. |