By Brenda Blakey, CMA
snapshot
Poverty and AIDS ? One CMA?s contribution
Christine (Chris) Newton, CMA has shown that applying strategy, accounting and management skills are just as valuable in humanitarian situations as they are in the workplace. After an extended vacation in Africa, Chris and her husband Jim wanted to do something to help alleviate some of the destitution and suffering they witnessed. In 2003, they founded a charitable organization, Edzimkulu ? A Society for Children of AIDS ? to help the 5,000 people in the remote community of Ndawana, South Africa. Ndawana had been ravaged by AIDS, had no electricity, running water, public (or private) transportation or medical services. Edzimkulu (a name that blends Edmonton and the Umzimkulu River that flows through the region in South Africa) has accomplished amazing things in six years and much of its success is related to good management practices and Chris?s background as a CMA. Many international aid groups have a reputation for saying, ?This is what you need and we will give it to you.? Recognizing the importance of good governance, they began by working with the local chiefs and asking, ?How can we help you?? Together with a local team appointed by the chiefs, and Canadian donations, Chris and Jim have done much to improve the infrastructure in Ndawana in a sustainable way. They began by building a community centre entirely with local labour; they made every building block and harvested all the grass to thatch the roof. The community centre is solar powered and has a kitchen to help feed about 150 local children orphaned by AIDS, a library to encourage literacy, a micro-enterprise centre and a medical clinic facility so doctors and nurses can visit. As a consequence of illiteracy, many Ndawana villagers do not have birth certificates or identification or know how to apply for government programs and grants. Chris and Jim calculated that the village annual income would double if every person received the grants for which they were eligible. They initiated a documentation Jim and Chris Newton, CMA. project and did a census to access existing government programs and seek appropriate grants. Edzimkulu developed a community garden to grow food; employed local people as team members; construction labourers and home care workers; provided business training for women entrepreneurs; and promoted public health through education and HIV/AIDS testing. These initiatives have brought many positive changes in the quality of life in Ndawana. Doctors and nurses now come regularly to the village. There is a systematic way of ensuring that orphans are cared for and educated. People no longer die alone; home-care workers visit regularly. The increase in village income has made life easier. Chris wrote in one report, ?Their first payday was unlike any I have ever witnessed. Singing, clapping and much laughter accompanied each hand over of cash (the amounts ranged from $2 to $48). The next day, we witnessed many of these women carrying big bags of mealie meal [the local food staple] on their heads.? Chris took the time to help Edzimkulu staff manage their finances; it?s one thing to pay wages, another to help people to plan for their future needs, including education. How being a CMA makes a difference Large and small donors have supported Edzimkulu because they are confident their funds are being well spent. The provincial health ministry in South Africa recognized Edzimkulu for its best practices in CMA MANAGEMENT 10 February 2010
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