Community outreach and leadership development (COLD)

Participating NGO"s must: (1) reflect the objective of ending apartheid and demonstrate a commitment to black participation in decisionmaking; (2) engage in activities which strengthen communities" abilities to address their own needs and develop community leadership; (3) procure commodities and services in a way that is directly linked to community impact or leadership development; and (4) not be financed or controlled by the South African government or by political parties. Currently, four NGO"s have been selected for direct assistance: the Wilgespruit Fellowship Center (WFC), the Funda Center, the Natal Education Organization of the Institute for Black Research (NEO), and the Pietermaritzburg/Durban Consortium. These four will in turn assist up to 35 smaller community groups. Candidates for future funding include the Western Cape Facilitation Center, Diakonia, Black Sash, and AFESIS. The following are some of the activities which the grant funds will support. (1) WFC will: pilot test a 6-month certificate/degree course which will instruct about 120 community leaders, church officials, activists, etc. annually in subjects such as small business development, community organization, and labor relations; provide subgrants to up to 15 NGO"s throughout South Africa; and expand its on-going women"s, self-help, and community organization activities. (2) The Funda Center will design a new leadership training program and expand the activities of selected affiliated organizations (e.g., the Council for Black Education and Research, the Part-Time University Student Association, the Madimba Music Group, the African Institute of Arts, etc.). (3) The NEO will focus on educational activities, including the establishment of a special community-run high school, local resource centers, and teacher upgrading and support classes. (4) The Pietermaritzburg/Durban Consortium, composed of some of the most important NGO"s operating in that area (e.g., the Trust for Christian Outreach and Education, the Pietermaritzburg Agency for Christian Special Awareness, the Association for Rural Advancement, etc.), will support the activities of member NGO"s in areas such as community health care, education, activism, and mass media. Amendment of 6/30/88 extends the project through FY95, and delineates certain areas of focus -- democratic process, young people, women, rural areas, and training. The trend of relatively small grants to many recipients (contrary to the original design) is expected to continue. (PD-BBM-773)